Psalms 19

David teacheth that the Creatures of God, especially the heavens and the course of the sun, do abundantly testify of his power and wisdom and universal goodness, but magnifieth above all the singular mercy, which he sheweth unto his people, by the Revelation of his saving word whereby David being enlightened, confesseth his sinful condition, and prayeth for cleansing, and for preservation from the dominion of sin, and that he may live well-pleasing to God.

1. A Psalm of David, for the chief Song-master. [See Psalm 4.on verse 1.]

2. The heavens related Gods honour, [i.e. give us matter and occasion to speak and discourse of the omnipotency, wisdom and goodness of God] and the firmament [expansion. See Gen.1.on v.6.] declareth the work of his hands.

3. Day to day [Every day and night, successively one to another] poureth forth speech abundantly: and night to night sheweth knowledge, [i.e. they as it were teach and instruct us continually, even as the fountains or well-springs, still yield and bubble forth water abundantly, which is properly understood by the Hebrew word. See Prov.18.4. Eccles.12.8. Isa.49.10.]

4. No speech, nor no words are there, where their voice is not heard [Their, viz. The heavens, i.e. how different and discrepant soever the speechs, words and languages of men may be; so that the one is not able to understand the other; never the less (may we say) the language of these Creatures, and handy-works of God is plain and intelligible to all, that we may well know, what it is they would tell us. Oth. (they have) no speech, nor no words (yet) their voice is heard, i.e. understood. See Gen.11.on v.7.]

5. Their ruling-line goeth forth over the whole Earth, [i.e. their most excellent fabric, or structure, being so exact and compleat; as if it were measured out all over by the ruling-line, and framed accordingly. See Zach.1.16. and Job 38.on v.5. Or line, rule, pattern, writing, i.e. it is, as if they writ it in great capital letters, and by them taught and instructed the Apostle made of this, see Rom.10.18.] and their speechs to the end of the world; he hath set a tent in the same for the sun. [this is further declared in the sequel.]

6. And that is as a bridegroom, going forth out of his bed-chamber. [The Sun namely most beautifully and gloriously breaking forth and rising up, as a bridegroom useth to come forth and appear on his wedding day, with all the ornament and trim that may be. See Isa.61.10.] he is cheerful like a champion, to run the path. [or course running from his rising to his going down with admirable expedition and swiftiness. Compare Eccles.1.5.]

7. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of the same, and nothing is hid before his heat. [Or none. Understand where the Sun doth shine.]

8. The Law of the LORD is perfect, [Or the doctrine, i.e. the holy word of God. See Psa.1.on v.2.] converting the soul; [or bringing, reducing again raising up again, i.e. reviving, comforting, as Psa.23.3. See also Ruth 4.on v.15. this is the fruit of the doctrine of the gospel] the testimony of the LORD, [i.e. his word testifying of his being, will and workings] is sure [i.e. true, assured, firm and steadfast. Compare Psa.93.5. and 111.7.] giving wisdom to the simple (or silly.)

9. The commands of the LORD are right [Or direct, just, i.e. in all things uniform and harmonious, well agreeing one with another, and shewing the onely direct and streight way to salvation. Of the Hebrew word, see above Psa.7.on v.11.] gladding the heart: the commandment of the LORD is clean, enlightening the eyes. [of the understanding. See Psa.13.on v.4.]

10. The fear of the LORD is pure [To fear and honour God, and to walk in his ways, are used the one for the other, Isa.29.13. Compare with Matth.15.9. and 2 Chron.6.31. with 1 Kings 8:40. and Psa.128.1. So that here by the filial fear, wherewith the children of God do honour him by faith, there may be understood conveniently, the doctrine of the true Religion and worship of God, being pure from all pollution or defilement of Human inventions, and procuring cleanness of hearts and hands, Psa.24.4.] abiding forever: the Rights of the LORD are Truth, [i.e. they are very true; true in all regard, nothing but meer truth] they are righteous together.

11. They are more desirable then gold, yea then much fine gold: and sweeter then honey and the honey-comb, [Heb. The flowering of the honey-combs, i.e. that runneth off or floweth over from the honey-comb without any pressing, honey unstrained, or unconstrained.]

12. Also thy servant is clearly admonished by them [The Hebrew Verb here given, clearly admonished, doth signify to give lustre, or clearly to shine, and thence, to admonish, or warn, whereby a man getteth light, and cleanness for his soul, together with use, profit and advantage. Compare Ezek.3.v.18,19,20,21.] in the keeping of them is great reward. [the Hebrew word doth properly signify the heel (Gen.3.15. and 26.26.) and thence is taken for the end of a thing (as the head for the beginning) and further for issue, speed, success, profit, reward, being that these use to come in the end or at last: as likewise another word, signifying properly the aftermost, is used to the same purpose. See Prov.23.on v.18. Now that God is pleased to accept of, and reward the obedience of his children, with great promises, not with standing their imperfection, the same happeneth not by their merit or desert, but by his grace, for Jesus Christ his sake.]

13. Who should understand the aberrations? [i.e. the sins, which are committed through ignorance and unadvisedness. See Lev.4.on v.2. implying, that none is able to do it; so many, manifold, yea innumerable are they. Compare 1. Kings 3.9. with 2 Chron.1.10.] cleanse me from the secret (aberrations) [those which see not, and am not aware of.]

14. Keep thy servant back likewise from insolencies, [Or wilfulnesses, i.e. wilful and presumptuous sins, which are commited wittingly and wilfully, with purpose of heart and pride, in contempt of God and his commandments] let them not have dominion over me: [Compare Rom.6.12.] then shall I be upright, [See Gen.6.on v.9.] and pure from great [or much, many, manifold] transgression.

15. Let the speechs of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be we pleasing [Heb. Unto, or according to welpleasing, or acceptableness. Compare Isa.56.7. Jerem.6.20.] before thy face: O LORD my rock and my Redeemer.