“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple…Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” –Psalm 19:7, 14 (KJV) [Please read Psalm 19:7-14]
Yesterday we looked at Psalm 19:1-6, examining the theme, “In Awe of the Glory of God.” The first part of Psalm 19 delights in the natural creation and its revelation of God. Verses 7-14 of the Psalm examine facets of the Law of God and praise its benefits. We see Hebrew poetry in its parallel structure used expertly in these verses. David, held to be the author of this psalm, uses six terms to name the Word or Law of God. Then he follows each naming with an action the law brings about in the life of the one who follows God’s Law or Word. To give additional insight into the King James Version, I will list here the six names as used in the English Standard Version for the law and the consequent action:
What is more precious than gold? What is sweeter than the drippings of the honeycomb—the unexpected wild, pure honey found and used by one like David to give sustenance when he was hungry? The answer, of course, is the Word of God, God’s beloved law. The law also warns of danger, prevents one from falling and guards one from “presumptuous” or deliberately committed sins. Numbers 15:30-31 warns against such deliberately committed sins and of the terrible punishment and unforgiveness of such sinful acts: “that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him" (Num. 15:31). Following the law will prevent such dire consequences to the one who loves and follows the Word of God, and will keep that believer “innocent of transgression” (Ps. 19:13). We who are Christians can rejoice in the “fulfillment” of the law, that Jesus came to give us new life, new hope, and a different perspective on punishment and rewards. “And from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17). For us, the prayer David wrote in Psalm 19:14 takes on new and dynamic meaning: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” May our words and meditations always be pleasing to the Lord. May we think upon, weigh and examine His holy Word, and apply it to every area of our lives. Amen.
Yesterday we looked at Psalm 19:1-6, examining the theme, “In Awe of the Glory of God.” The first part of Psalm 19 delights in the natural creation and its revelation of God. Verses 7-14 of the Psalm examine facets of the Law of God and praise its benefits. We see Hebrew poetry in its parallel structure used expertly in these verses. David, held to be the author of this psalm, uses six terms to name the Word or Law of God. Then he follows each naming with an action the law brings about in the life of the one who follows God’s Law or Word. To give additional insight into the King James Version, I will list here the six names as used in the English Standard Version for the law and the consequent action:
The law is perfect ~ reviving the soul;The Psalmist’s praise for what God’s law can do in the life of the follower reveals manifold benefits: reviving, giving wisdom, bringing rejoicing, giving insight, enduring—an expression of God’s eternal righteousness.
The testimony of the law is sure ~ making wise the simple;
The precepts of the law are right ~ rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the law is pure ~ enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean ~ enduring forever;
The rules of the Lord are true ~ and righteous altogether.
What is more precious than gold? What is sweeter than the drippings of the honeycomb—the unexpected wild, pure honey found and used by one like David to give sustenance when he was hungry? The answer, of course, is the Word of God, God’s beloved law. The law also warns of danger, prevents one from falling and guards one from “presumptuous” or deliberately committed sins. Numbers 15:30-31 warns against such deliberately committed sins and of the terrible punishment and unforgiveness of such sinful acts: “that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him" (Num. 15:31). Following the law will prevent such dire consequences to the one who loves and follows the Word of God, and will keep that believer “innocent of transgression” (Ps. 19:13). We who are Christians can rejoice in the “fulfillment” of the law, that Jesus came to give us new life, new hope, and a different perspective on punishment and rewards. “And from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17). For us, the prayer David wrote in Psalm 19:14 takes on new and dynamic meaning: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” May our words and meditations always be pleasing to the Lord. May we think upon, weigh and examine His holy Word, and apply it to every area of our lives. Amen.
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