For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.
1The heavens declare the glory of God.The expanse shows his handiwork.2Day after day they pour out speech,and night after night they display knowledge.3There is no speech nor language,where their voice is not heard.4Their voice has gone out through all the earth,their words to the end of the world.In them he has set a tent for the sun,5which is as a bridegroom coming out of his room,like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.6His going out is from the end of the heavens,his circuit to its ends.There is nothing hidden from its heat.
7Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul.Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.8Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.9The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.10They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold,sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.11Moreover your servant is warned by them.In keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors?Forgive me from hidden errors.
13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins.Let them not have dominion over me.Then I will be upright.I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartbe acceptable in your sight,Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
What’s happening. Psalm 19 has two halves: God revealed in creation (these verses) and God revealed in his written word.
What it means. The skies are like a voice without words, speaking day after day to every nation about the glory of the God who made them. Creation points beyond itself. It cannot tell us everything about God, which is why the psalm goes on to celebrate his word, but it tells everyone that he is there.