God's Glory in Creation
Study note
The heavens constantly proclaim God's glory. Day after day and night after night they pour out their message. Without words, creation speaks to the whole earth. The sun is described like a bridegroom coming out of his room, running its course across the sky.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Every day pours out more to say. Every night passes along more to know. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There are no words. There is no sound at all. Not a single voice can be heard. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 And yet their message travels across the entire earth, reaching to the farthest corners of the world. In the heavens God set up a home for the sun. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 The sun comes out like a groom stepping out of his room on his wedding day. It races across the sky like a champion eager to run. Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 It rises on one side of the sky and swings in a great arc to the other side. Nothing escapes its warmth. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
God's Perfect Word
Study note
David describes God's law, commands, and decrees using six terms. Each one is perfect, trustworthy, right, pure, clean, and true. They are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey.
7 The Lord's instructions are flawless — they breathe new life into the soul. The Lord's teachings are completely reliable — they turn simple people into wise ones. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The Lord's guidelines are always fair — they fill the heart with happiness. The Lord's commands are perfectly clear — they open up the eyes. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 Honoring the Lord is pure and right — it stands for all time. The Lord's decisions are solid truth — every one is completely. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 They are more appealing than gold — even heaps of the purest gold. They taste sweeter than honey — even fresh honey straight from the comb. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 They serve as flashing warning signs for the person who follows you. Obeying them brings the richest reward. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
A Personal Prayer
Study note
David closes with a humble prayer asking God to forgive hidden faults, keep him from willful sins, and make his words and thoughts acceptable to the Lord.
12 But who can spot all their own mistakes? Please forgive the ones I don't even realize are there. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Also hold me back from sins I choose on purpose. Don't let them have any power over me. Then I will be innocent, free from any serious wrongdoing. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 May the words I say and the thoughts in my heart please you, O Lord. You are my solid rock and the one who sets me free. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.