Psalms 19
1 For the chief musician. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies make his handiwork known!
[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 speech pours out; night after night it reveals 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 or spoken words; their voice is not heard.
They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
4 Yet their words go out over all the earth, and their speech to the end of the world. He has pitched a tent for the sun among them.
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 The sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber and like a strong man who rejoices when he runs his race.
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 The sun rises from the one horizon and crosses the sky to the other; nothing escapes its 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 Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of Yahweh is reliable, making the simple wise.
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 instructions of Yahweh are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of Yahweh is pure, bringing 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 Yahweh is pure, enduring forever; the righteous decrees of Yahweh are true and altogether right!
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 of greater value than gold, even more than much fine gold; they are sweeter than honey and the dripping honey from 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 Yes, by them your servant is warned; in obeying 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 all his own errors? Cleanse 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 your servant also from arrogant sins; let them not rule over me. Then I will be perfect, and I will be innocent from many transgressions.
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 thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, 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.
