PSALMS 19

READING CYCLE THREE(see “Guide
to Good Bible Reading“)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT
PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means
that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of
us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are
priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3).
Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above.
Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original
author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has
one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. This Psalm is about how humans know God. They cannot discover Him.
He must reveal Himself and He has in two ways.

B. God’s revelation must be personally received and implemented! It
is not primarily a creed but a personal relationship with God.

C. This Psalm has been a great blessing to my life in two ways.

1. it shows the trustworthiness and preciousness of Scripture (i.e.,
Ps. 19:7-10)

2. it gives a hope and peace amidst the daily struggle with sin
(i.e., Ps. 19:11-14)

The prayer of verse 14 is one I pray often!

D. Brief Outline

1. General revelation (God reveals Himself in nature, Ps. 19:1-6, cf.
Rom. 1:19-20; also note Rom. 2:14-15)

2. Special revelation (God reveals Himself by what He does, cf.
parallel of line 2), which is recorded in the Bible, yet supremely in His
Son, Ps. 19:7-11, cf. John 1:1-14; 14:6,9; 2 Cor. 5:17-21 (see Biblical
Interpretation Seminar online at

www.freebiblecommentary.org which
includes information about general hermeneutical procedures and special
procedures for different genres)

3. Prayer of surrender, Ps. 19:12-14

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PSALM 19:1-6
 ¹The
heavens are telling of the glory of God;
 And
their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
 ²Day to day pours forth
speech,
 And night to night
reveals knowledge.
 ³There
is no speech, nor are there words;
 Their
voice is not heard.
 ⁴Their
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,
 ⁵Which is
as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
 It rejoices as a strong man to run
his course.
 ⁶Its
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.

19:1 “The heavens are telling of the glory of
God” This is known as “natural revelation.” Romans
1:19-20 expresses the same truth that everyone can know something about
God from the physical creation. Also notice Rom. 2:14-15 which asserts an
inner moral witness in humans.

▣ “heavens” Note Ps. 8:1;
50:6 and how they relate to the theology of Rom. 1:19-20. See
Special
Topic: Heavens.

▣ “glory” See BDB 458, #2,
C, (2).

SPECIAL
TOPIC: GLORY (OT)

NASB“expanse”
NKJV,
NRSV,
LXX“firmament”
NRSV footnote“dome”
NJB,
REB“the vault of heaven”
JPSOA“sky”

The term (BDB 956) is used in Gen. 1:6,7 (thrice),8,14,15,17. It denotes
the Hebrew concept of the atmosphere as a solid dome or stretched skin
(i.e., tent, cf. Ps. 104:2; Isa. 40:22). The windows of heaven must be
opened to allow the rain to fall.

Notice that “heavens” in line 1 is parallel to “expanse”
in line 2.

▣ “the work of His hands”
This phrase is asserting the personal involvement of YHWH in creation (cf.
Isa. 48:13; 64:8). It specifically reflects His personal creation of Adam
in Gen. 2:7 (i.e., “formed,” not spoken into existence).
From the NT we konw this was the work of Jesus (cf. John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6;
Col. 1:16).

19:2-3 “day to day” Notice the
personification of both the “day” and “night.” The
point is that creation continuously, though silently (cf. Ps. 19:3), is
giving the revelation/message about God (i.e., a good modern proponent of
this concept is the “Intelligent Design” movement).

19:2 “pour forth” This verb (BDB 615, KB 665, Hiphil imperfect) has the basic meaning of a “bubbling
spring” (cf. Pro. 18:4). It came to be used metaphorically of
speaking

1. positively — Ps. 19:2; 119:171; 145:7; Pro. 1:23

2. negatively — Ps. 59:7; 94:4; Pro. 15:28

▣ “night to night reveals knowledge”
Mankind has always looked in awe and sometimes idolatry at the starry
heavens (cf. 2 Kgs. 23:5; Ps. 8:1,3).

19:3 “There is no speech” This
refers to nature’s silent, but powerful, witness.

19:4

NASB, NKJV“line”
NRSV, JPSOA“voice”
TEV,
NJB,
NRSV, REB“message”
LXX, NASB
margin“sound”
NEB“music”
Peshitta“words”

The MT has קקם (BDB 876 II, KB 1081 from קו),
which denotes a “boundary line,” “musical melody” (cf.
NEB). The UBS Text Project gives it an “A” rating. However, the
LXX and Jerome have קולם (BDB 876, KB 1083 from
קול) which means “speech,” “word,”
“cry,” which seems to fit the context best (same root in Ps.
19:3, i.e., “voice”). The early church used (i.e., quoted from)
the LXX.

▣ “through all the earth. . .to the ends
of the world” These first two lines of Ps. 19:4 are synonymous
parallelism. The theological thrust is the universal availability of God’s
revelation to humans (cf. Isa. 42:10; 49:6; 62:11). All are responsible
for their knowledge of God (Rom. 1:18-3:18), but see Special Topic: Age of
Accountability.

Natural revelation (i.e., through the physical creation and an inner moral
witness) results in a spiritual responsibility on the part of all humans
(cf. Rom. 1:18-3:18). Once a person is saved it then becomes a way of
wonder, praise, and worship of the God of creation (cf. Psalm 8).

19:4c-6 “the sun” This imagery
using the sun is not a scientific description or mythological account but
typical OT language using popular descriptive idioms for a natural
phenomenon. Notice the imagery.

1. the sun has a tent (i.e., abode), Ps. 19:4c

2. the sun is a bridegroom, Ps. 19:5a

3. the sun runs a set course, Ps. 19:5b (i.e., described in Ps. 19:6)

As the sun lights all the earth, so too, the revelation of God’s
character, power, beauty, and design is universal (cf. Ps. 19:4a,b). Every
human knows something about God. The only other place that “natural
revelation” is used theologically to denote human responsibility is
Rom. 1:18-3:18.

Paul also specifically used this verse in Rom. 10:18 in a context that
denotes the need of the world hearing/receiving the message of God in
Christ (i.e., the gospel). The rabbis of Paul’s day often put several
quotes together to make a point. Paul was trained in the procedure.

The psalmist possibly picked the sun as a servant of YHWH to critique the
sun worship of the ANE. This Psalm, like Genesis 1, shows YHWH as creator
and controller of the heavenly bodies (i.e., sun, moon, stars, planets,
comets, etc.). They are not gods or angels that control, or even affect,
the lives of humans!

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PSALM 19:7-14
 ⁷The
law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the
soul;
 The testimony of the
Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
 ⁸The precepts of the
Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
 The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
 ⁹The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
 The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
 ¹⁰They are more desirable
than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
 Sweeter
also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
 ¹¹Moreover, by them Your
servant is warned;
 In
keeping them there is great reward.
 ¹²Who
can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
 ¹³Also 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.
 ¹⁴Let the words of my
mouth and the meditation of my heart
 Be
acceptable in Your sight,
 O
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

19:7 “the Lord“
This is the covenant name for God, YHWH. It is from the Hebrew verb “to be,” cf. Exod. 3:14. The rabbis
say it refers to God in His special covenant relationship to Israel. See
Special Topic:
Names for Deity.

▣ “perfect” See SPECIAL
TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH.

19:7-9 “law. . .testimony. . .precepts. .
.commandment. . .fear. . .judgments” These are synonyms for
God’s written revelation. See
Special Topic:
Terms for God’s Revelation.

▣ “perfect. . .sure. . .right. . .pure.
. .clean. . .true” These are characteristics of God’s written
revelation. The Bible is the only clear, self-revelation of God. This is a
crucial faith assertion. It is normally called “inspiration”
(see Special Topic: Insspiration below). If you are interested in my evidence for this
faith presupposition see

Video: Why I Trust the NT.

SPECIAL
TOPIC: INSPIRATION

19:7-11 “restoring. . .making. . .rejoicing. .
.enlightening. . .enduring. . .righteous. . .more desirable. . .sweeter. .
.warned. . .keeping” This is what the written revelation does
for us. Oh, the value of Scripture for fallen humanity!

Notice the threefold parallels.

What powerful repetition and parallelism! God’s revelation is redemptive,
informative, prescriptive, and a real blessing! Oh, thank God for
revelation!

19:8-9 “righteous” The Hebrew root
originally meant “a measuring reed.” It speaks of a standard for
judgment. God Himself is that standard. See
Special Topic:
Righteousness.

19:9 “fear” This feminine noun (BDB 432, KB 433) means “revere”
or “with awe and respect.” The concept is used often in Wisdom
Literature (cf. Job 4:6; 6:14; 22:4; 28:28; Ps. 5:7; 34:11; 90:11; 111:10;
119:38; Pro. 1:7; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23;
22:4; 23:17). The recurrent message is that awe/respect/fear are the
beginning of wisdom! Without God there is no truth, just fallen human
opinions and traditions (cf. Isa. 29:13).

SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT)

▣ “enduring forever” This
same truth is expressed by Jesus in Matt. 5:18; 24:35; Mark. 13:31; Luke
21:33.

19:10 “they are more desirable than gold. .
.honey” Does this describe your attitude toward God’s
revelation? Is your Bible your most precious property?

19:11 “the servant is warned” God
has given us a guideline for a life of peace and joy, but it must be lived
out! There is a divine path (see note at Ps. 1:1) and we must stay on it
(cf. Matt. 7:13-14).

19:12-13 These verses are a recognition and
prayer that amidst our current fallen ignorance and folly God will deal
effectively with our fallen nature.

1. “Who can discern his errors?” (cf. Ps. 40:12). Only God
knows the heart. He must judge (cf. Ps. 139:23-24; 1 Cor. 4:4-5; Heb.
4:12-13).

2. “Acquit me of hidden faults.” This is an imperative of prayer (BDB 667, KB 720, Piel
imperative). Notice it is “hidden faults,”
not open-eyed rebellion (cf. Lev. 4:2,22,27; 5:15-18; 22:14).

3. “Keep back from presumptuous sins.” This is another
imperative of prayer (BDB 362, KB 359, Qal
imperative). This is open-eyed rebellion.

The adjective “presumptuous” (BDB
267) is used several times in Psalm 119 (cf. Ps. 119:21,51,69,78,85,122)
and translated “arrogant,” which denotes an attitude of
rebellion. In this context it refers to known sins.

4. “Let them not rule over me.” This verb
is a Qal imperfect but is used in a
jussive sense. This is another point of
prayer. Sin is a slave-master (cf. Rom. 5:21; 6:9,14,17,23).

The last two lines of Ps. 19:13 state the requested results of the
psalmist’s prayer.

1. I shall be blameless

2. I shall be acquitted of great transgression

The psalmist had great confidence in YHWH’s desire and ability to forgive
and forget sin/sins (cf. Isa. 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Micah 7:19). We
only learn of the mechanism of this forgiveness in the NT record and
interpretation of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, ascension, and
return of Jesus the Christ (i.e., the gospel). As the Psalm extols the
wonder and greatness of God’s written revelation, only the NT reveals the
splendor of God’s incarnate revelation (i.e., the Living Word)! Jesus is
the ultimate revelation of God (cf. John 1:1-14; Col. 1:13-17; Heb.
1:2-3).

19:14 In light of the power of God’s
revelation and His marvelous forgiveness, the psalmist continues his
prayer.

1. Let the words of my mouth (one verb,
BDB 224, KB 243, Qal imperfect used in
a jussive sense, controls #1,2,3)

2. Let the meditations of my heart

3. “Acceptable” (BDB 953) is

a. a common sacrificial term in Leviticus

b. a very common word in Wisdom Literature

NIV translates it as

1) pleased/pleasing/pleasure

2) acceptable/accepted

3) favor/favored

4) fitting

5) delight

Once we know Him and are changed by Him, we want to live in a way that
pleases Him. A way that brings others to Him. True forgiveness must issue
in a changed and changing life of godliness (cf. Rom. 8:28-30; 2 Cor.
3:18; Gal. 4:19; Eps. 1:4; 4:13; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus
2:14; 1 Pet. 1:15)! The goal of biblical faith is not heaven when we die
but Christlikeness now!

▣ Several descriptive titles close
this Psalm as they started Psalm 18 (i.e., Ps. 19:2).

1. YHWH (i.e., ever-living, ever-present, only God)

2. Rock

3. Redeemer (Qal participle)

SPECIAL
TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means
that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of
us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are
priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the
major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. What is “general revelation”? What can it tell you about
God?

2. What is included in “special revelation”? What can it
tell you about God?

3. Why are two different names for God used in this Psalm?

4. Do you find as much joy in the Law of God as this Psalm describes?

5. List characteristics of the Law.

6. What should I do about unknown sins?

7. What are “presumptuous sins”? What is so serious about
them in the OT?

8. What is the meaning of Ps. 19:14 to you?

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