Bible Commentaries
Psalms 19

Verse 1

19:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] The {a} heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

(a) He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God’s glory.

Verse 2

19:2 {b} Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

(b) The continual success of the day and night is sufficient to declare God’s power and goodness.

Verse 3

19:3 [There is] no speech nor {c} language, [where] their voice is not heard.

(c) The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, no matter how barbarous.

Verse 4

19:4 Their {d} line 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,

(d) The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to show God’s glory to us.

Verse 5

19:5 Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his {e} chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

(e) Or vail. The custom was that the bride and bridegroom would stand under a vail together, and after come forward with great solemnity and rejoicing of the assembly.

Verse 7

19:7 The {f} law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

(f) Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this should be sufficient to lead us to him.

Verse 9

19:9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] {g} true [and] righteous {h} altogether.

(g) So that all man’s inventions and intentions are lies.

(h) Everyone without exception.

Verse 10

19:10 More to be {i} desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

(i) Unless God’s word is esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.

Verse 11

19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great {k} reward.

(k) For God accepts our endeavour though it is far from perfect.

Verse 12

19:12 Who can understand [his] {l} errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

(l) Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for where sin is, there death is the reward.

Verse 13

19:13 Keep back thy servant also from {m} presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: {n} then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

(m) Which are done purposely and from malice.

(n) If you suppress my wicked affections by your Holy Spirit.

Verse 14

19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the {o} meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(o) That I may obey you in thought, word and deed.