Psalm 19 almost seems like two psalms attached together. It begins in verses 1- 6 as a kind of nature psalm. Unlike the pagans living around Israel at that time, the Israelites did not worship the creation or various parts of the creation such as the sun, moon and stars. They knew that God existed before the creation and outside His creation. The elements of the creation are shown here as “telling of the glory of God.” When we look at the universe around us, the creation in all its wonder, we are to understand that we are seeing the creative majesty of the God of all things. The psalmist is using the very elements that the pagans were worshiping to bring glory and worship to the Creator of the universe.

Verses 7-14 speak of the wisdom found in the Word of God. The Word is described as perfect, sure, right, and pure, enlightening man and bringing much rejoicing. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. Keeping the Law of God, the Tora, brings great reward. So we see the glory of the creation and the glory of God’s Word described here together. Spend some time this week meditating on the glory of God!

The heavens are telling of the glory of God.

● Meditate on these six verses. In what ways do the heavens tell of the God’s glory?

● How does the psalmist use poetic language to describe the creation and how it works?

● Remember that the pagans at that time worshiped the sun, moon, and stars. How does the psalmist speak of these elements of creation? How does he use them to bring glory to God?

● Spend some time today looking at and meditating on God’s creation and praise Him for the glory of God it reveals.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.

● What do these verses tell you about God’s law? How is it described?

● How does God’s law impact the one who regards it?

● What does the psalmist mean by the “fear of the Lord?” In what way is it “clean?”

● How do you view God’s Word? Do you take it for granted? Do you allow it to make you wise? To rejoice your heart? Is it sweeter than honey to you? Meditate on these questions.

Acquit me of hidden faults.

● What is the psalmist’s prayer here? How does he view his hidden sins – sins he has committed unknowingly? How do you view your hidden sins?

● How could one’s hidden sins rule over him or her?

● Consider the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart. Do they honor God?

● Consider memorizing verse 14 and praying it to God on a regular basis.

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

● What does the psalmist say is the way to live in the fear of the Lord?

● Notice that the first thing mentioned is the use of the tongue. How is your tongue? Do you keep your tongue from evil and deceit? This is the fear of the Lord.

● Do you depart from evil and do good? Do you seek peace and pursue it? Meditate on these questions?

● How would fearing or respecting the Lord cause one to live this way?

Know that wisdom is (like honey) for your soul.

● How is wisdom from God sweet like honey in the honeycomb?

● How do regard wisdom? How important is wisdom to you? Is it sweet like honey?

● Where do you find true wisdom? (The Word of God!)

● When you read God’s Word, do you seek information or God’s wisdom?

● Ask God to give you sweet wisdom from Him.

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.

● How would the fear of the Lord be a strong confidence? How does it impact one’s children?

● How is the fear of the Lord a fountain of life? How does it enable one to avoid the snares of death?

● Meditate on these proverbs in regard to your life today? How do you need to fear the Lord today?

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.

● Spend some time today meditating on this truth.

● Consider the fact that there is an angel encamped around you if you fear and respect the Lord. He is there to rescue you in times of trouble.

● How does this fact impact your life today? What trials are you facing that will be easier knowing you have the angel of the Lord on your side?