시편 Chapter 19

Translation: ESV

1

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Key Message

Creation is a tireless witness declaring God's glory, and the observation of nature leads to the recognition of God's greatness.

▸Psalm 19 has a complete theological structure: it sings of two kinds of revelation — general revelation through nature (vv.

Psalm 19 has a complete theological structure: it sings of two kinds of revelation — general revelation through nature (vv. 1-6) and special revelation through the law (vv. 7-11) — and ends with prayer (vv. 12-14). 'Declare' (mesapperim) — without ceasing, continuously — declares that nature is the tireless witness of God's glory. This is the biblical foundation for natural theology.

Related Verses

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
2

Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Key Message

The rhythm of creation — the alternation of day and night — is cosmic testimony ceaselessly declaring God's glory.

▸The poetic description that day and night pass on the glory of God to one another shows that the rhythm of nature is continuous divine revelation.

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,

Key Message

Just as nature's testimony reaches all the earth, the gospel too must spread to the whole world — God is the Lord of the entire universe.

▸'Their voice' and 'their words' are the content of what the heavens declare in verses 1-3.

7

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

Key Message

God's law (word) is perfect, giving vitality to the soul — it is more direct and effective as special revelation than natural revelation.

▸The transition from natural revelation to the law (special revelation) occurs.

10

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Key Message

God's word is more valuable than the most precious thing in the world and sweeter than the sweetest thing in the world.

▸This verse, comparing the value of the law to the most precious things — gold, honey — declares that God's word has spiritual value transcending material value.

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.

Key Message

All theological reflection and praise must ultimately be prayer offered before God — seeking to have both words and heart acceptable to him is worship.

▸This is the concluding prayer of Psalm 19 and one of the most beautiful prayers.