A Meditation On Psalm 19

by M.D. Macdonald, Wishaw, Scotland | Category: General | Sept 1995

In this psalm David deals with two distinct matters: the physical world around us, which speaks of God's glory, and the Word of the Lord, by which we must be guided if our daily walk is to be pleasing to Him.

David, the shepherd, was well fitted to speak about the heavens and the earth, for much of his time was spent in the fields under the starry skies. As he looked upward, all that his eyes beheld spoke clearly of the glory of God, and the mighty works that His hands had made. As day follows day, so the never ceasing voice of the Creator can be heard in the creation all around us. No nation is without evidence of God's handiwork.

There is a sense in which there is a quietness about nature that stands in sharp contrast to the often noisy ways of men. Many seek to escape the stress and strain of living by taking themselves out to where they can see and

enjoy the wonderland of nature. But alas, so few seem willing to acknowledge the God who has given us these things to enjoy.

Having spoken of the glory of God in the first part of the psalm, David then turns to the importance of the Word of the Lord, that is Jehovah the LORD, who has given His Word to His people. David speaks of the Lord's Word in such a way that we are left in no doubt of his tremendous love for it.

David speaks of the law of the Lord as a perfect thing, able to restore our souls to a right condition. The law would indicate the complete doctrine for God's people. It is so unlike men's laws which are often marred by imperfection. The testimony of the Lord is that which has to be believed by us. It is something sure, about which there is no dubiety; and our acceptance of it will prove to be wisdom to us. The precepts (or statutes) are particular aspects of the law that have been singled out for our good. We can discern a ring of truth about them, and in them we should rejoice. Then David states that the commandment of the Lord is pure - there is a holiness about it which illuminates our minds. This stands in contrast to the ignorance of those who refuse to know God, and consequently their senseless heart is darkened. The fear (or reverence) of the Lord should bring a holiness or cleanness into our lives, and by such fear we will depart from evil. This reverence is an enduring reverence; for when this life is over, we shall still fear the Lord. Finally, David describes the Lord's judgements as true. These are verdicts, or formal decrees which are pronounced judicially. Abraham asked the question: 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Gen. 18:25).

So the psalmist has reviewed the whole spectrum of the Word. This should be more sought after than silver or gold. 'It will be sweeter to us than honey and the honeycomb. The Scriptures provide us with needed warnings, and yield precious rewards if we take heed to what is written. What encouragement then to us to search the Scriptures!

There are no errors with the Lord; His way is perfect. But there are errors with us, and David knew this. We may not see our faults, but others often can, and certainly God knows them. We must abhor presumptuous sin. This is deliberate disobedience, and brings God's wrath upon us. We must be clear of these things if we wish to experience that fellowship and communion with God which make our Christian experience so full.

M.D. Macdonald, Wishaw, Scotland | Sept 1995
General