AI::ON Psalm 19
Psalm 19 is what scholars call a wisdom psalm. This means that it is a psalm that focuses on teaching us how to live according to God’s plan. The psalm has two main sections. In the first section, verses 1-6, we are given a lesson on how to live according to God’s law. In the second section, verses 7-14, we are given a lesson on how to live according to God’s word. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sections.
Section one: God’s law (verse 1-6)
The first section of Psalm 19 begins with a declaration of the glory of God’s law. We are told that the law is “perfect,” “revives the soul,” “makes wise the simple,” “rejoices the heart,” and “endures forever.” This is all true! But then we are given a warning. We are told that people who break the law will be “caught” and “punished.” This is because, as verse 4 tells us, “the Lord is a great king.” He is just and He will not tolerate those who violate His law.
But we need not fear! If we obey the law, then we will be blessed. Verse 6 tells us that those who observe the law will have their “ways enlightened” and will be able to avoid sinning. In other words, if we want to live lives that are pleasing to God, we need to obey His law.
Section two: God’s word (verses 7-14)
The second section of Psalm 19 begins with another declaration of the glory of God. This time, however, it is not His law that is being praised, but His word. We are told that the word is “sweeter than honey,” and “more precious than gold.” In other words, it is something that we should treasure. And like the law, it too has the power to revive our souls and make us wise.
But unlike the law, which can only show us our sin, the word also has the power to forgive our sin. This is because the word is living and active (verse 7). It has the power to pierce our hearts and reveal our sin to us so that we can confess it and be forgiven (verse 8). The word is also perfect (verse 9) and pure (verse 10). It will give us life if we obey it (verse 11) and lead us in paths of righteousness (verse 12).
Conclusion
In Psalm 19, we are given two lessons on how to live according to God’s plan. First, we are taught that we need to obey God’s law if we want to please Him. But we are also taught that obeying the law alone is not enough; we also need to treasure His word. The word has the power not only to show us our sin, but also to forgive it. So let us treasure both the law and the word of God so that we may live lives that are pleasing to Him.