Psalms 19
1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork;
[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 unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night revealeth 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 is no speech, there are no words, neither is their voice heard.
They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath He set 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 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man 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 end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
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, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, 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, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, 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 clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, they are righteous 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 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
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 Moreover by them is Thy servant warned; in 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 can discern his errors? Clear Thou me from 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 back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins, that they may not have dominion over me; then shall I be faultless, and I shall be clear from 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 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before Thee, 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.
