> [[psalm-18|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-20|Next →]] --- # Psalm 19 ## God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law 1 For the leader. A psalm of David. ^psalm-19-1 ### I 2 The heavens declare the glory of God; ^psalm-19-2 the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. 3 Day unto day pours forth speech; ^psalm-19-3 night unto night whispers knowledge. 4 There is no speech, no words; ^psalm-19-4 their voice is not heard; 5 A report goes forth through all the earth, ^psalm-19-5 their messages, to the ends of the world. He has pitched in them a tent for the sun; 6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from his canopy, ^psalm-19-6 and like a hero joyfully runs its course. 7 From one end of the heavens it comes forth; ^psalm-19-7 its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat. ### II 8 The law of the LORD is perfect, ^psalm-19-8 refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. 9 The precepts of the LORD are right, ^psalm-19-9 rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. 10 The fear of the LORD is pure, ^psalm-19-10 enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; 11 More desirable than gold, ^psalm-19-11 than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb. 12 By them your servant is warned; ^psalm-19-12 obeying them brings much reward. ### III 13 Who can detect trespasses? ^psalm-19-13 Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins. 14 Also from arrogant ones restrain your servant; ^psalm-19-14 let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin. 15 Let the words of my mouth be acceptable, ^psalm-19-15 the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. \* (Psalm 19) The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:2] – [7]). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:8] – [11]), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:12] – [14]). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. \* (19:4) No speech, no words: the regular functioning of the heavens and the alternation of day and night inform human beings without words of the creator’s power and wisdom. \* (19:5) The sun: in other religious literature the sun is a judge and lawgiver since it sees all in its daily course; ([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:5b] – [7] form a transition to the law in ([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:8] – [11]. The six synonyms for God’s revelation (([[psalm-19|Ps 19]]:8] – [11]) are applied to the sun in comparable literature. \* (19:12) Warned: the Hebrew verb means both to shine and to warn, cf. [Dn 12:3]. a. (19:2) ([[psalm-08|Ps 8]]:1]; [50:6]; [97:6]. b. (19:8) ([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:7]; [119]. c. (19:11) [[sirach-24|Sir 24]]:19. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-18|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-20|Next →]]