King David was known as “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). The 19th Psalm is attributed to him. It is a storehouse of fascinating truths. The Psalm can be neatly divided into three parts. We shall assign a key word to each section. Verses 1-6 – Creation, verses 7-10 – Revelation and verses 11-14 – Preservation. Please open your Bible and read this Psalm before continuing.
Creation
In his youth, David spent many nights out under the stars guarding sheep. This first section speaks poetically of how the night sky seems to cry out in testimony of God’s creative genius. Though no verbal word is heard, the stunning view is powerful evidence. Compare Romans 1:20. The earth’s orbit in relation to the sun is depicted. The first rays of morning are “as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber” (v. 5), and orbit is likened to a strong runner traveling his “course” (v. 5).
Revelation
While the creation provides a non-verbal generic message indicative of a Designer, the Bible provides specific literary instructions. The Creator’s written revelation is called “law,” “testimony,” “precepts” and “commandment” (vv. 7-8). It is “perfect,” “sure,” “right” and “pure” (vv. 7-8). The desirability of His Word is above fine gold, and it is sweeter than the droppings of the honeycomb (v. 10). Dear reader, don’t allow your pursuit of wealth to rob you of enjoying the sweetness of God’s precious Word.
Preservation
God’s Word provides valuable warning, and there is “great reward” to those who obey (v. 11). It has been said, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Warnings heeded can yield preservation. Those who ignore the warnings find themselves enslaved to various sins (e.g., gambling, drunkenness, fornication, etc.).
The words of the closing verse ought to be the prayer on the lips of all humanity. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer” (v. 14).
These words were recorded about 3,000 years ago, but they still deserve our reading and contemplation. Anyone who scrutinizes the universe ought to be impressed with its organization; the Greeks called it “cosmos,” indicating orderly arrangement. The great God who designed our environment also provided mankind with an instruction book for our preservation.
