Psalm 19. This is a Psalm of David in which he reflects on two revelations of God: (1) the general revelation of God in creation, and (2) the special revelation of God through His Word, specifically to Israel. Prophetically, this Psalm describes the reflection of the faithful remnant on the two-fold testimony of God.

 

vv.1-6 The General Revelation of God in Creation. The first half of the Psalm deals with general revelation of God in creation. Specifically here we have what can be known about God from looking up into the heavens; i.e. the sky above us. In v.1, we find that “the heavens declare the glory of God”. We may ask, what glory of God is revealed? It is His creatorial glory. The “heavens” would include the planets, stars, galaxies, etc. (the “first” heaven, read more…). The “firmament” or “expanse” would be the sky between the surface of the earth and the clouds; i.e. where the birds fly. The earth has been corrupted through man’s sin, but the heavens are largely untouched, and bear a clearer testimony in some ways to the glory of God. When we look above us with honest reflection, we are amazed by the evident power and skill of the Creator. In vv.2-4, the universal direction and extent of the testimony of creation is expounded. Day after day, and night after night (v.2), across all languages (v.3), from pole to pole, to the farthest reaches of the earth, the heavens speak to man of the glory of God as Creator!

 

In vv.4-6, the extent of the witness of creation is compared to the reach of the sun itself, which compasses the entire globe each day in a “circuit”. Just as there is “nothing hid from the heat” of the sun, so no intelligent creature on earth is without the witness of creation. Although the witness of creation is limited as far as the revelation it brings, it is enough, says the apostle Paul, to make all men responsible to glory God as Creator; “Because what is known of God is manifest among them, for God has manifested it to them, for from the world’s creation the invisible things of him are perceived, being apprehended by the mind through the things that are made, both his eternal power and divinity, so as to render them inexcusable” (Rom. 1:19-20). However, while creation made man responsible to worship God, man proved his depraved condition by ignoring the witness of God in creation, and perverting God’s glory by turning to idolatry (read Rom. 1). Thankfully, God gave another revelation, that can enlighten the eyes of man, and which God is pleased to use to quicken the soul, through the power of His Spirit (vv.7-14)!

 

 

 

vv.7-11 The Special Revelation of God’s Word. In contrast with creation, the “law of Jehovah” is a special revelation, not given to all mankind. It was specially given to Israel. The Word of God reveals much about God than creation does. Notice that it is God (vv.1-6) in reference to creation, but Jehovah (vv.7-14) in reference to the Law. In vv.7-9 we have the Old Testament referred to under various names. The “law of Jehovah” is perfect or complete. The “testimony of Jehovah” is sure, or trustworthy, making it a sure guide to the simple or uninstructed. The “precepts (principles) of Jehovah” are right, bringing joy to the heart of those who love righteousness. The “commandment of Jehovah” is morally pure, enlightening the eyes or granting moral discernment to those who read it. The “fear of Jehovah”, the reverence produced in His saints, is clean or holy, and unchanging. The “judgments of Jehovah”, the moral values and distinctions of scripture, are truth, and righteous altogether. These things are especially important for the faithful remnant in prophecy. As they look around and see God’s judgment falling on the wicked, including their own countrymen, they will see in it a consistency with the Word of God; i.e. that His actions are morally just. This was the verse that Abraham Lincoln quoted in his second inaugural address in which he confessed that the Civil War in the United States was the righteous judgment of God on America for her embracing one of the cruelest forms of slavery. Like Lincoln, the faithful in any age must recognize the righteousness of God in all His dealings, and this is plainly set forth in the Word, especially in the Old Testament. In v.10 we have the preciousness of the Word of God; more precious than “much fine gold”, and sweeter than “honey” dripping from the honeycomb. The gold speaks of its shear objective value, the honey speaks of its subjective value to the believer. In v.11, we have the positive benefit of the scriptures to the believers; “by them is thy servant enlightened; in keeping them there is great reward”.

 

vv.12-14 The Response of the Faithful to God’s Revelation. In vv.12-13 we find that the law of Jehovah aids the saint in self-judgment. There is progression here: “errors”, “secret faults”, “presumptuous sins”, and “great transgression”. Errors and secret faults are sins we commit without even realizing in. The Psalmist asks to be cleansed of those things. But then, “presumptuous sins” are when we know something is wrong but we do it anyways; i.e. open disregard for God’s claims. If we do that, we are in danger of becoming enslaved to sin; “let them not have dominion over me”. The “great transgression” is the end of a path of self-will. It is to formally take sides against God. Prophetically, the remnant will pray this prayer that they might be preserved from the great transgression of apostatizing and taking the mark of the beast, which their brethren, the apostate nation, will do at the direction of Antichrist. The closing verse of the Psalm express the desire of the faithful that their words and thoughts would be acceptable to the Lord; “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.” This is a fine prayer for the saints of all ages to pray!