Psalm 19

My daily Bible reading includes a short section from Psalms each day. Just recently Psalm 19 was the reading. The first six verses were on one day, followed by the end of the Psalm the next. For some reason, I noticed their juxtaposition. This is not “astounding” but it is a curious conjunction. Let me preview it. Verse 1:
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

It goes on to tell how the creation praises God. It continues with an explanation that the entire earth is suffused in this knowledge (v. 1-4) and then uses the sun to picture the knowledge being as ubiquitous as the light. (V. 5-6) This is a wonderful explanation of how the knowledge of God permeates the world.

Then verse 7 leads into the next thought.
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Notice the parallel of creation declaring God’s glory and the law of the Lord declaring the beauty and perfection of God’s communications. Law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and  judgments are coupled to enhance the experience of God. Imagine the Supreme Creator who restores the soul, makes the simple wise, gives rejoicing to the heart, enlightening the eyes, and lasting forever. On top of all of that the laws are true and righteous.

(Insert: This almost appears to be a preview of Psalm 119 which has over 175 references to God’s laws and their perfection. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (119:97) This is repeated three more times. (119:113, 163, 165) Psalm 19 fits right in here.)

Back to the topic. They, the laws, are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. (V. 10) Then verses 11-13 outline how they intersect with our lives, with a final result of being kept from sins and being forgiven. Is it any wonder that the final phrase is a prayer in which we revere and worship such a great God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Let the words just refresh your soul. Ps 19 
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; (where) Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean,  enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 

10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. 

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. 

Amen.