Psalms 19

Ps 19 God’s wisdom is manifest in heaven (19:1-4), in nature (19:4-6), in his instruction (19:7-11), and in the life of the psalmist (19:12-14). Like Ps 8, this hymn uses creation to motivate reflection—it is a peaceful oasis after the drama of the lament and victory psalms. The psalm begins with creation as a source of wisdom, then moves to God’s word as the perfect source of wisdom, and ends with the human need for redemption.19:1-4 The created order is an arena of God’s wisdom, and the heavens are the place of God’s dwelling (2:4; see 8:1; 57:5; 89:6; 115:3). From heaven, God observes humanity (11:4; 14:2; 33:13; 53:2; 80:14; 102:19) and comes to the rescue of his servants (18:6-8, 13; 20:6; 57:3; 76:8; 144:5). The heavens remain unaffected by human failures and rebellions (see 2:1-4). They display God’s qualities of fidelity, righteousness (36:5; 50:6; 57:10; 85:11; 89:2, 5; 97:6; 108:4), and wisdom (136:5; see 119:89-90). The heavens reveal the Lord’s glory (see 19:1) and give evidence of his presence and handiwork.19:1 The glory of God refers to the splendor or manifest presence of the Creator (113:4). • God (Hebrew ’el): El is an ancient designation for God that signifies his creative power.

19:3-4 God’s wisdom does not need to be spoken. Through creation, it is seen, felt, and experienced. Paul applied this text to condemn Israel for its lack of receptivity to Jesus Christ (Rom 10:18). • The sun is part of God’s creation, but it is not a deity, as people of other nations in the ancient Near East commonly believed.

19:7-11 God’s instructions to humans reveal his character and wisdom. God’s instruction is precious and pleasant (119:103). It nourishes the person (Prov 16:24; 24:14) and is of more value than objects of human worth (Ps 81:13-16).

19:12-14 The psalmist knows his faults, so he prays to remain faithful and commits himself to the Lord.

19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).

19:14 words of my mouth . . . meditation of my heart: The psalmist desires to please God in everything he says and thinks (see Luke 6:45; Rom 12:1-2).