Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 19

The psalms in this section emphasize integrity and purity (Psalms 17:15; 18:20–26; 19:13–14). They describe people as living in God’s presence (Psalms 16:9–11; 17:15) and remaining steadfast (15:5; 16:8).

God's wisdom is clearly shown in many places:

• It appears in the heavens (Psalm 19:1–4),

• in nature (Psalm 19:4–6),

• in his teachings (Psalm 19:7–11), and

• in the life of the psalmist (Psalm 19:12–14)

Like Psalm 8, this hymn uses creation to lead people to reflect on God. It offers a calm moment after the intense prayers and victory songs in earlier psalms.

The psalm begins with creation as a source of wisdom. It then moves to God’s word as the perfect source of wisdom. Finally, it ends with the human need for redemption.

The created world shows God's wisdom, and the heavens are where God lives (Psalm 2:4; see 8:1; 57:5; 89:6; 115:3). From heaven, God watches over people (Psalms 11:4; 14:2; 33:13; 53:2; 80:14; 102:19) and helps his followers (18:6–8, 13; 20:6; 57:3; 76:8; 144:5).

The heavens remain unaffected by human failures and rebellions (see Psalm 2:1–4). They show God's faithfulness, righteousness (Psalms 36:5; 50:6; 57:10; 85:11; 89:2, 5; 97:6; 108:4), and wisdom (136:5; see 119:89–90). The heavens reveal the Lord’s glory (see Psalm 19:1) and prove his presence and work.

• The glory of God refers to the Creator's splendor or visible presence (Psalm 113:4).

• God (Hebrew ’el): El is an ancient name for God. It shows his power as the Creator.

• God’s wisdom does not need to be spoken. Through creation, it is seen, felt, and experienced. Paul applied this text to condemn Israel for its lack of receptivity to Jesus Christ (Romans 10:18).

• The sun is part of God’s creation, but it is not a god, as people of other nations in the ancient Near East commonly believed.

God's instructions to humans show his character and wisdom. His guidance is valuable and enjoyable (Psalm 119:103). It nurtures the individual (Proverbs 16:24; 24:14) and holds more value than material possessions (Psalm 81:13–16).

The psalmist knows his weaknesses, so he prays to remain faithful and commits himself to the Lord.

• A person who commits deliberate sins does so with a proud and defiant attitude (Psalm 86:14; 119:21, 69).

• The great transgression is rebellion (see Psalm 32:1).

words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart: The psalmist desires to please God in everything he says and thinks (see Luke 6:45; Romans 12:1–2).