Christianity
Psalms 19The Heavens Declare God's Glory
Summary
Psalm 19 moves from creation to scripture. Its first half pictures the heavens and the sun proclaiming God's glory without speech, the sun running its course like a bridegroom. The second half praises the law of the LORD as perfect, sure and more desirable than gold. It closes asking to be cleansed from hidden faults and that the words of the mouth be acceptable to God. Traditionally ascribed to David, it is part of Jewish Sabbath morning prayers.
Key verse
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
Psalms 19:1
Themes
- Creation Reveals God
- The Law
- Hidden Faults
- Acceptable Words
Text
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
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,
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
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.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
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.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.
Across traditions
Islam
Surah Al-Israa (17): All Things Hymn His PraiseQuran 17:44 says the seven heavens and the earth and everything in them praise God, though people do not understand their praise, close to Psalm 19's wordless witness of the skies.
Judaism
Tehillim 19 in the JPS 1917 TanakhJews recite this psalm in the Sabbath and festival morning service, and its last verse is said at the close of the Amidah prayer.
Christianity
Romans 10: Their Sound Went into All the EarthPaul quotes Psalm 19:4 in Romans 10:18, applying the universal reach of creation's voice to the spread of the gospel.
Questions about Psalms 19
What does The heavens declare the glory of God mean?
Psalm 19:1 teaches that the order and beauty of the sky point to its Creator. Many traditions see this as a form of natural revelation alongside scripture.
Where is the prayer Let the words of my mouth from?
It is Psalm 19:14. Jews say it at the end of the Amidah, and many Christian preachers say it before a sermon.