>1. What is the heavens and skies? How might they declare the glory of God? (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)
* Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
* 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows. And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows-- was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.
* The title is "For the director of music. A psalm of David".
* "The heavens" -Heavens is "shamayim" in the original Hebrew. The "im" at the end make it plural. Considering 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 stating that at least three heavens exist it can be stated the earth's atmosphere is the first, the place where the planets, stars, and nebula reside is the second, and the place where God and the departed saints exist is the third.
* "declare" -Declare is "sapar" in the original Hebrew, a primative root meaning "to score with a mark as a tally or record", "to inscribe", and "to enumerate".
* "the glory of God" -Glory is "kabod" in the original Hebrew, a noun meaning "honor" and "splendor and copiousness".
* "the skies" -Skies is "raqia" in the original Hebrew literally meaning "expanse" and "visible arch of the sky". The KJV translates it as "firmament".
* Psalm 136:1-5, 7-9 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. ...who made the great lights-- His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever."
>2. What is the purpose of the heavens and skies and all that they contain? (2-4a) What are they saying" (Romans 10:17-18)
* Psalm 19:2-4a "Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
* Verse 3 can also be translated as "They have no speech, there are no words; no sound is heard from them."
* Romans 10:17-18 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
* Everyone can see. The language of the heavens and skies is not written or verbal.
* Psalm 148:3-4 is part of a praise psalm where the singer commands the "highest heavens" and "waters above the skies" to praise the LORD.
* A clear night silent gaze beholds bright lights twinkling little diamonds in the sky.
Questions befall. "Why," I wonder, "do you shine so divine above my sigh and awe."
You speak non-audibly to my spirit and soul. What message do I behold?
"Where it to my future?" a fool quires. "No," the wise answer, "The Father has that in haul." (Isaiah 47:13; Jeremiah 10:2; Daniel 4:7)
"Where it to the teller of time?" "No I answer, "Not at all."
Then what do the tapestry of light declare for my spirit hears their call?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
The Father of your soul has heard the cries of all due to the fall.
A plan he has made that can rescue a soul darkened by the fall.
His name is Jesus, the bright morning star.
He is here to save some from the fall.
His divine nature within will instill you to illume again.
Heart open up and let his light in.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 19:1-4a.
>3. What might David the author mean by the pitched tent for the sun? How does verses 4b thru 6 relate to the beginning of the psalm?
* Psalm 19:4b-6 "In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat."
* "In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun" -As seen from on the earth. Also, is true of the sun's elliptical course in the Milky Way galaxy. The point is that God has established it place.
* "which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion" -Standing on the surface of the earth the sun is brilliant in light and heat. During a wedding ceremony the bridegroom is clothed in splendor too.
* "nothing is hidden from its heat." -Unavoidable. Though we can set up something that creates a shade and something that cools us down, still the sun affects that which shades and that which cools.
* The sun rises above the horizon into the visible sky in the morning and sets below the opposite horizon in the evening often in brilliant displays of kaleidoscope colors. Paired with its absence as its emitted light shines on and rays heat up the opposite side of the earth, the day is established marking the human mind with the traverse of time.
Whether standing in a valley low or sitting on a mountain high I view the sun as it brightens the sky, a lamp hung on a tent pole. The sun traverses the heavens and the earth orbits the sun. God established it all. The ancients worshiped the sun and distant stars that shine in the night sky. (Deuteronomy 4:19, 17:3; 2 Kings 23:5, 11; Jeremiah 8:2; Ezekiel 8:16) I worship the Lord God who created the sun and its distant bright spheres with the command, "Let there be..." (Genesis 1).
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3, 14)
"Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:11)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 19:4b-6.
II. The Law of the LORD is Perfect (19:7-14)
* A woodcut border to Luther's 1524 printing of "Der hundert vnnd siben vnd zwaintzigest Psalm, aussgelegt, an die Christen zuo Rigen in Liffland." In English, "The hundred and seventh and twentieth psalm, delivered to the Christians at Rigen in Liffland."
The border consists of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch with a pair of animal masks (bottom), armed cherubs (top left and right), and a framed plaque (top).
From the archives of Pitts Digital Collections.
>4. What are some of the benefits to the Law of the LORD as stated in verses 7, 8 and the end of 9? Can these be possible is someone does not live by them?
* Psalm 19:7-8 "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving 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 law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul" -Reviving implies that the soul was dead or in need of restoring.
* "The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." -The simple here is a child-like personality, mind, and heart. The simple are those whose judgement and understand are not mature. Consider Jesus using little children as examples to the disciples.
* "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart." -A person can see the precepts of the LORD as binding and restrictive and thus joy killers. However, to a believer like David, they are joy.
* "The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." -"Radiant" in the original Hebrew is "bar" elsewhere translated as "pure", "clean", and "clear".
>What is fear of the LORD and how does living by the Law of the LORD have to do with that?
* Psalm 19:9 "The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous."
* "The fear of the LORD" -Fear of the LORD is placed in between several benefits of the LORD. The commands of God can learn a person to fear of the LORD. Fear of the LORD is not a bad thing, something even modern Christians should experience. For without fear of the LORD, then a person does not either accept or believe that they are a sinner from birth and thus deserved seperation from the LORD and punishment for one's sins.
* "pure" -"Pure" in the original Hebrew is "tahor" elsewhere translated as "pure", "clean", and "clear".
* "sure and altogether righteous."
* Five Hebrew words describe the Pentateuch in verses 7-9 - also known as the Decalogue, the five books of Moses, and the laws of the covenant with Israel. The Hebrew words are translated: the law (instruction), statutes, precepts (testimony), commands, and ordinances (judgments) of the LORD. At the time of the creation of this psalm, the only other Biblical books that existed for David and all of Israel were Joshua and Judges. The two books accredited to Samuel were not complete because they concern the Lord's dealing with his people through Samuel, Saul, and David.
The Pentateuch is described as perfect, trustworthy (steadfast), right, radiant (pure), sure (true, reliable), and altogether righteous. When tempted Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4) In parables he described it as a seed that a farmer planted in our soul, some of it growing and producing grain. (Luke 8:11)
This psalm also states the effects the word of God has on a person. It can revive the soul, make wise the simple, give joy to the heart, and give light to the eyes. The writer of Hebrews states, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Therefore, a person who does not read and study the word of God so that it penetrates every part of their beings is a fool. Likewise, anyone who presents the word of God for self-profit should be concerned. Paul and the other prophets did not preach the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ, they spoke before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 19:7-9.
>How is the outcome described in verse 10?
* Psalm 19:10 "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."
* "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold"
* "they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."
>5. How does living by the Law of the Lord help a person discern their errors? What should follow when the Law of the LORD reveals our sinful heart according to verse 12?
* Psalm 19:11-12 "By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults."
* "By them is your servant warned"
* "in keeping them there is great reward"
* "Who can discern his errors?" -As one studies the Law of the Lord with a personal contemplative mind and heart they come to know their sinful nature and sins that they had not known before.
* "Forgive my hidden faults." -The proper and salvation leading conclusion of those who know their selves before a holy God.
>6. How does sin rule over our thoughts, heart, words, and actions? (13; John 8:34; Romans 7:14-20)
* Psalm 19:13 "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression."
* "Keep your servant also from willful sins" -The next step after asking for forgiveness is knowing that only with God's help they can stop doing the wrong and harmful. So they ask for it.
* "may they not rule over me." -Everyone has inherited the nature to do what is wrong and not do what is right. The power to be this way is stronger than not do wrong and do right. Jesus and the Apostle Paul uses the illustration of being a slave to sin.
* John 8:34 "Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'"
* Romans 7:14-20 "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
* The Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible) is equated to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49). They are wise instructions and encouragement to followers of the Lord Jesus. Those like me who are rescued from poor life choices and being controlled by sinful impulses know that living by these ordinances of the LORD is more precious than much pure gold. Though at first living by these takes effort and repeated application which can be heart-wrenching the commands of the LORD are sweeter than honey.
The sweetness is because through them I am warned. Before I was blindly walking toward a cliff, about ready to drop into the depths. However, the word of God called out to me to stop. Then God took the blinds off by calling to me his precepts. They turned out to be a great reward. They showed me a path where instead of falling into the pit, I was given instructions on how not to fall into the pit and how to find good things.
The blinders of a sinful nature kept me from discerning my errors. I thank God for removing the blinders. I was blind, but now I see the truth. Through the Word of God, I know wisdom living. I asked God for forgiveness and he heard me. I asked and he kept me from willful sins. My sinful nature no longer rules over me. I am a new person. I am now alive.
I pray as David, "Keep your servant blameless, innocent of great transgression." Remind me of your laws so that I may know you.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 19:10-13.
>What does verse 14 show about how this psalm came to exist? How does this show the importance of meditation?
* Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
* "May the words of my mouth" -David spoke what he thought?
* "the meditation of my heart" -This psalm is an example of Christian meditation done right.
* "be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." -Reveals the essence of righteous meditation.
* The last verse states two actions of a believer in Jesus, indicating that the entire psalm resulted in their enacting. The first is meditation of the heart. The second action is speaking or singing what he had meditated. Of course, David or someone else wrote down his meditations.
Meditations are contemplation of the mind and heart on a particular subject that do not quickly pass through the mind. They are thinking over at length the mysteries of life. When I first heard of meditations I considered them as something far east religions did while humming and Christian monks did while chanting. The Hebrew word for meditation here means "solemn murmuring sound" coming from a person and/or a musical instrument. The sound can help the mind concentrate. It could even be songbirds, wind, distant thunder, waves, rivers, and waterfalls.
Meditating doesn't have to be about spiritual things such as God, Satan, salvation, damnation, heaven, hell, angels, and demons. They can be about practical matters like whether or not to go to college, marry someone, have children, buy a house, take a job, and move to another state or country. However, for a believer in Jesus meditation is often about spiritual matters even when it includes secular subjects.
This psalm reveals that David first deeply considered the silent words of the heavens. That made his mind shift to the written word of God, the law of the LORD. He contemplated and discovered that living by them had accomplished so much. He considered how the ordinances of the LORD kept him from doing things harmful and destructive. He had great admiration for how speaking to him through the written word had freed him from being ruled by his sinful nature.
Meditation is good. Meditating is allowing the Spirit of God to help me seek and understand myself, my life, my environment, and other people in light of all that God is doing in and through me, and in and through them. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 19:14.
III. Forgive My Hidden Faults (20:1-9)
* A woodcut border to Samuel Kneeland (1697-1769) 1718 printing of "Book of Psalms in a translation exactly conformed unto the original" The long title is, "Psalterium Americanum : the book of Psalms, in a translation exactly conformed unto the original; but all in blank verse, fitted unto the tunes commonly used in our churches. Which pure offering is accompanied with illustrations, digging for hidden treasures in it; and rules to employ it upon the glorious and various intentions of it; whereto are added, some other portions of the Sacred Scripture to enrich the cantional"
Only one edition exists of a metered translation of the Psalms by Cotton Mather, who had intended it to replace the Bay Psalm Book, which he though was too constrained by being rhymed in addition to being metered. All Psalms are arranged to be sung in the common meter, while some could also be sung in the long meter with the inclusion of additional words printed in black letter and set in square brackets.
From the archives of Pitts Digital Collections.
>7. How is the nature of confidence in God when dealing with on a personal relationship revealed in verses 1-4?
* Psalm 20:1-4 "May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
* The title is "For the director of music. A psalm of David".
* "May the LORD (he)..." -Eight prayers by someone(s) for another are stated in the first four verses.
* "Selah" -Used to conclude a verse in the Psalms. No one knows its meaning anymore. Some have placed unproveable theories. Even the earlies Jewish traditions thought it could mean "for ever". But they also did not know.
* David composed this psalm. Most commentaries agree that the intent was for this repertoire to be reciprocated between the king and God's people before the king engaged in a challenging enterprise for God's people, especially before a battle. The intent is the same as when a congregation prays for its elders and pastor, when a nation prays for its leaders, and especially when a family prays together.
Any venture involving a group of united people will be taxing and can cause distress, especially to its leaders. Collectively asking for the LORD's help before the project begins is wise for he will be a sanctuary when the tough gets going. The Lord God will grant support when believers ask him as a group. Jesus taught, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:19-20)
Before David and any believing king began a great work they also offered sacrifices (3). The sacrifices were part of the petition. When David acquired the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite he said, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24) The threshing floor is where the temple would be built, the later desire of David. The Lord enabled David's plan to succeed through his son Solomon.
The people responded, "We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests."
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 20:1-5.
>8. If verses 1-4 are a blessing to the king who is anointed to serve God's people, then how should the people respond when success is obtained? (5)
* Psalm 20:5 "We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests."
* "We will shout for joy when you are victorious"
* "will lift up our banners in the name of our God"
* "May the LORD grant all your requests."
>9. Is verse 6 an awareness after the victory or as the blessing is said upon the king before the engagement begins? Considering the words "his anointed" and "saving power of his right hand" who might this be pointed to?
* Psalm 20:6 "Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
* "Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed"
* "he answers him from his holy heaven"
* "with the saving power of his right hand."
>10. Considering that verses 7 and 8 are the army serving under the king before the battle what can we learn when faced with a pending daunting event? Who will be brought to their knees? Why? What confidence is needed when faced with an enemy with is more powerful and in command of the best and latest battle machines?
* Psalm 20:7-8 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm."
* "Some trust in chariots and some in horses"
* "we trust in the name of the LORD our God"
* "They are brought to their knees and fall"
* "but we rise up and stand firm."
>What are the conclusion to this congregational repertoire?
* Psalm 20:9 "O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!"
* Ancient Hebrew did not have punctuation such as modern English. The translators had to determine the end of a phrase / point / concept / thought.
* "O LORD, save the king!" The NIV note and some other translations says the end of the first sentence is after save. Thus, "O Lord, save. O King answer us when we call." Thus, king means that King, referring to the Lord God as their king because as the psalm states, the LORD determines the outcome.
* Changing the structure of this verse, stated above, makes the ending, "O King answer us when we call!" This does not change it from being a plea.
* The congregational repertoire continues with a devout man of God such as a prophet or Levitical priest singing, "Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
When I am about to place myself in an engagement that if I lose, would cost others and myself, I should know that God is with me. Jesus promised, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Those who will be engaging in the battle connect their heart to their vocal cords, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." David said similar to Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-46, 47) All battle outcomes are the Lord's and he enables those whom he desires to win. I can trust in the name of the LORD my God.
The repertoire concludes with a prayer, "O LORD, save the king! May the King of our king answer us when we call!"
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