The Book of Psalms
Psalm 19
Psalm XIX · Vol. II, p. 997
1 The creatures show God's glory. 7 The excellency of the divine law. 12 David prayeth for God's grace.
To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
1 The heavens adeclare the glory of God; and the firmament1 showeth his handy-work.
B.C. cir. 1040.
a Ge.1.1,6. Ro.1.19,20. Is.40.22. Ps.150.1,2; 145.10-12.
1 The expanse—the whole outspreading of the heavens.—C.
4 Theird line4 is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun;
6 Hisg going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The hlaw5 of the LORD is perfect, 6converting the soul: ithe testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
h 2 Ti.3.15-17. 2 Co.5.17,18. 1 Pe.1.23. Ja.1.21,25. Jn.6.63.
5 Or, doctrine.
6 Or, restoring.
i Jn.5.39. Ac.10.43. 1 Jn.5.7-12. Ps.111.7; 119.98-105.
8 The jstatutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is kpure, enlightening the eyes.
j Ne.9.13. Ps.119.57,128,49,50,54,92,111, &c.; 94.19.
k Ps.12.6; 18.30; 119.105,140. 2 Pe.1.19. 2 Co.2.17. 1 Pe.2.2.
9 The fear of the LORD lis clean, enduring for ever:7 the judgments of the LORD are ntrue8 and righteous altogether.
l Jn.17.17; 15.3. 1 Pe.1.23. Ps.119.9,11. Mat.5.18.
7 The word rendered 'fear' signifies literally 'dread' or 'terror,' and then that holy reverence which dread inspires. In this place, however, the signification must be different. It is employed figuratively to denote those divine precepts which embody the will of God, and which instruct man how he is to fear and reverence him. Resolving the metaphor, the clause may be translated thus:—'The precepts of Jehovah are pure and eternal.'—P.
8 Heb. truth.
10 Moreo to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; psweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb.9
o Ps.119.72,111,127,162. Pr.8.11,19.
p Ps.119.30?,103. Je.15.16. Job 23.12?.
9 Heb. the dropping of honey-comb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant qwarned: and in keeping of them there is rgreat reward.
q Pr.6.22,23. Ps.119.9,11,24. 2 Pe.1.19.
r Pr.3.16,17?. 1 Ti.6.6; 4.8. 1 Co.15.58.
12 Whos can understand his errors? 1cleanse thou me from secret2 faults.
s Ps.40.12,13; 25.11; 65.3; 51.5,6,10. Is.64.6.
1 Cleanse. 'Make me innocent, free, guiltless.—Ainsw.
2 Secret. Disguises, dissimulation, hypocrisy.—Horsley.
13 Keept back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great3 transgression.
t Ge.20.6. Ps.119.133. Ex.21.14. Ro.6.12-14. 2 Co.1.12. Ac.24.16.
3 Or, much.
Notes
Ver. 1. In this beautiful psalm natural and revealed religion are sketched in outline. It is shown that in each God, as a God of wisdom, power, and holiness, is placed before the mind of man. The works of nature as seen during the day, the glories of the starry skies in the night season, proclaim to men of every nation and language the being and attributes of the Creator. The law of the Lord, recorded in his Word—perfect, pure, holy, sanctifying in its influence, affords a still clearer and deeper insight into the character and government of Jehovah than the contemplation of his works. P.
Ver. 2. As the spiritual eye 'seeth him that is invisible,' Mat. 11. 27, so the spiritual ear heareth that which is inaudible. So says the dying believer, 'I see a hand you cannot see, that beckons me away; I hear a voice you cannot hear, that says, I must not stay.'—C.
Ver. 4. Their line, &c. These words are applied to the preaching of the apostles (Ro. 10. 18), whose silent writings are now speaking with the power of the Spirit to all ends of the earth. C.
Ver. 6. This is literally fulfilled in the natural heavens, as the light and heat of the sun alternately reach the poles.—Note, So grace visits the darkest and the coldest heart. Even so, Lord, visit ours! C.
Ver. 13. Upright . . . innocent. To none can the character of upright and innocent truly apply but to Christ, all others have reason to be ashamed and repent in dust and ashes.—Great transgression. From all our sins which he bore in his own body on the tree, 1 Pe. 2. 24. One sin of his own would have invalidated his sacrifice. But he knew no sin—therefore sinners were saved, He. 9. 14. C.
Reflections.—How inexcusable are atheists and idolaters, when the ever-obvious heavens, the regular succession of nights and days, and the enlightening and warming sun, teach men so much of God! But much more they who enjoy the heavens, the firmament of the gospel-church, all illuminated by Jesus Christ the Sun of Righteousness, and his oracles, ordinances, and ministers, if they offend! Happy those hearts in which his word, so pure, so perfect, so true, so righteous, so precious, and pleasant, is hid: and in which its enlightening, instructing, converting, comforting, nourishing, and healing influence is felt! The more we look into this blessed glass, the more cause we shall see of deep humiliation before God, on account of the number and strength of our secret corruptions. But terrible are presumptuous sins—sins done against light and love! and yet the best need to watch and pray against them. Great then is the mercy that all our salvation from sin, and all the acceptance of our holy services, is in Christ the beloved and his infinitely valuable righteousness.