The beginning of Psalm 19 is what I think of as an ultra-popular set of verses and is a plain statement that God’s glory is evident to all people without any doctrine, scripture or teaching. It is refreshing to believers who can step aside from the madness of the world and be reaffirmed in the greatness of God and the orderliness of his creation. We also see that knowledge is conveyed by natural–the basis for all science is observation of nature. Despite these things, the remainder of Psalm 19 completes the picture for a whole knowledge of God necessary to live a complete and satisfied life. Let’s have a look at some more of Psalm 19.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
To examine things in a bit of detail…
Law is a set of rules. It tell us here that the God’s set of rules is complete and without defect. This is interesting but not unexpected given that the LORD is the creator of the universe. The astonishing part is that contact with with this perfect law is refreshing as opposed to disheartening. A statute is a particular piece of law and each piece of God’s law deserves our trust. The LORD’s statues bring enlightenment, a state of knowing beyond pure knowledge. Precepts are teachings that provide rules of personal conduct. The LORD’s precepts bring personal joy. A command is a specific directive for a specific situation. Commands illuminate our way so that we can see what previously we could not. Fear of the LORD is not like other fear, which involves uncertainty. Fear of the LORD is untainted because the LORD is holy. A decree is a binding court order and so much unlike our earthly justice system every decree of God is both firm and right. It will not be skirted or fail to do what it is intended to do and all that is done is right. It cannot be clearer that the ‘rules’ are of great value and blessing to us.
The rest of Psalm 19 shows us that we will fail to fully conform to these rules but a heart that continues to seek to will receive the benefits described here.
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