Psalm 19 -The Works and the Word of God

by Mark Rater

Psalm 19 -The Works and the Word of God 

"In this hymn of praise, David reflects on the glory of God in natural revelation (Psalm 19:1-6) and the glory of the law as God's special revelation (Psalm 19:7-9), which alone meets man's spiritual needs (Psalm 19:10-14)." -Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995)

 Psalm 19:1-14 (ESV) -A Psalm of David

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3  There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4  Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 7  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving 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 rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12  Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent 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.

His Holiness and Grace As Shown in His Word (19:7-10)

"The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun. To recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God. The word translated "law," may be rendered doctrine, and be understood as meaning all that teaches us true religion. The whole is perfect; its tendency is to convert or turn the soul from sin and the world, to God and holiness. It shows our sinfulness and misery in departing from God, and the necessity of our return to him. This testimony is sure, to be fully depended on: the ignorant and unlearned believing what God saith, become wise unto salvation. It is a sure direction in the way of duty. It is a sure fountain of living comforts, and a sure foundation of lasting hopes. The statues of the Lord are right, just as they should be; and, because they are right, they rejoice the heart. The commandments of the Lord are pure, holy, just, and good. By them we discover our need of a Saviour; and then learn how to adorn his gospel. They are the means which the Holy Spirit uses in enlightening the eyes; they bring us to a sight and sense of our sin and misery, and direct us in the way of duty. The fear of the Lord, that is, true religion and godliness, is clean, it will cleanse our way; and it endureth for ever. The ceremonial law is long since done away, but the law concerning the fear of God is ever the same. The judgments of the Lord, his precepts, are true; they are righteous, and they are so altogether; there is no unrighteousness in any of them. Gold is only for the body, and the concerns of time; but grace is for the soul, and the concerns of eternity. The word of God, received by faith, is more precious than gold; it is sweet to the soul, sweeter than honey. The pleasure of sense soon surfeit, yet never satisfy; but those of religion are substantial and satisfying; there is no danger of excess."  -Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary 

Exploring the Text

1. What do the heavens and skies have to say to us? (19:1)

2. On what two themes did David focus in this psalm? (19:1-14)

3. What role did God’s law play in David’s life? (19:7-14)

4. What words did David use to describe God’s law? (19:7-14)

5. What power does God’s law have in the lives of His people? (19:7-14)

6. What did David say about our faults? (19:12)

7. What was David’s desire and prayer? (19:13-14)

8. What attitude did David have toward God’s law?

 

Applying the Text

1. What role does God’s Word play in your everyday life?

2. What steps could you take to be more open to God’s Word?

3. In what ways can we show respect and appreciation for God’s Word?

4. For what "hidden fault" or "willful sin" do you need forgiveness?

5. What action can we take to protect ourselves from a rebellious spirit and willful sinning?

6. What changes do you think you need to make to ensure that your thoughts and words are pleasing to the Lord?

Being Doers of the Word This Week

​1. What step could you take this week to show a commitment to God’s Word?

2. What can you change in your thoughts or habits this next week to make them more pleasing to the Lord?