Psalms 19
1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
[When people look at everything that] God [has placed in] the skies, they can see that he is very great; they can see the great things that he has created.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
Day after day [it is as though the sun] proclaims [the glory of God], and night after night [it is as though the moon and stars] say that they know [that God made them].
3 Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,
They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
4 their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
But what they declare [about God] goes throughout the world, and [even people who live in] the most distant/remote places on earth can know it. The sun is in the skies where God placed it [MET];
5 Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,
it rises each morning like a bridegroom [who is happy] as he comes out of his bedroom after his wedding. It is like a strong athlete who is very eager to start running in a race.
6 it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
The sun rises at one side of the sky and goes across [the sky and sets on] the other side, and nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The instructions that Yahweh has given us are perfect; they (revive us/give us new strength). We can be sure that the things that Yahweh has told us will never change, and [by learning them] people who have not been previously taught/instructed will become wise.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Yahweh’s laws are fair/just; [when we obey them], we become joyful. The commands of Yahweh are clear, and [by reading them] [PRS] we start to understand [how God wants us to behave].
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.
It is good for people to revere Yahweh; that is something that they will do forever. What Yahweh has decided is fair, and it is always right.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
The things that God has decided are more valuable than gold, even the finest/purest gold. They are sweeter than honey that drips from honeycombs.
11 By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
Furthermore, [by reading them] I learn [what things are good to do and what things are evil], and they promise a great reward to [us who] obey them.
12 Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
But there is no one who can know all his errors [RHQ]; so Yahweh, forgive me for these things which I do that I do not realize are wrong.
13 Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.
Keep me from doing things that I know are wrong; do not let my sinful desires control me. If you do that, I will no longer be guilty for committing such sins, and I will not commit the great sin [of rebelling terribly] against you.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
O Yahweh, you are [like] an [overhanging] rock [MET] under which I can be safe; you are the one who protects me. I hope/desire that the things that I say and what I think will [always] please you.
