Psalms 19:1
Summary for Ps 19:1-14: Ps 19 a God’s wisdom is manifest in heaven (19:1-4 b), in nature (19:4-6 c), in his instruction (19:7-11 d), and in the life of the psalmist (19:12-14 e). Like Ps 8 f, this hymn uses creation to motivate reflection—it is a peaceful oasis after the drama of the lament and victory psalms. The psalm begins with creation as a source of wisdom, then moves to God’s word as the perfect source of wisdom, and ends with the human need for redemption.Summary for Ps 19:1-4: 19:1-4 g The created order is an arena of God’s wisdom, and the heavens are the place of God’s dwelling (2:4 h; see 8:1 i; 57:5 j; 89:6 k; 115:3 l). From heaven, God observes humanity (11:4 m; 14:2 n; 33:13 o; 53:2 p; 80:14 q; 102:19 r) and comes to the rescue of his servants (18:6-8 s, 13 t; 20:6 u; 57:3 v; 76:8 w; 144:5 x). The heavens remain unaffected by human failures and rebellions (see 2:1-4 y). They display God’s qualities of fidelity, righteousness (36:5 z; 50:6 aa; 57:10 ab; 85:11 ac; 89:2 ad, 5 ae; 97:6 af; 108:4 ag), and wisdom (136:5 ah; see 119:89-90 ai). The heavens reveal the Lord’s glory (see 19:1 aj) and give evidence of his presence and handiwork. 19:1 ak The glory of God refers to the splendor or manifest presence of the Creator (113:4 al).
• God (Hebrew ’el): El is an ancient designation for God that signifies his creative power.
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