Psalms 19
1 For the end, a Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims 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 to day utters speech, and night to night proclaims 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 There are no speeches or words, in which their voices are not 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 is gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
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 In the sun he has set his tabernacle; and he comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber: he will exult as a giant 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 His going forth is from the extremity of heaven, and his circuit to the [other] end of heaven: and no one shall be hidden from his heat.
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, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, instructing babes.
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 ordinances of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is bright, enlightening 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 for ever and ever: the judgements of the Lord are true, [and] justified altogether.
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 To be desired more than gold, and much precious stone: sweeter also than honey and the honey-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 For your servant keeps to them: in the keeping of them [there 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 will understand [his] transgressions? purge you me from my secret [sins].
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 And spare your servant [the attack] of strangers: if they do not gain the dominion over me, then shall I be blameless, and I shall be clear from great sin.
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 So shall the sayings of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing continually before you, O Lord my helper, 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.
