The Heavens Declare Glory

The words

1. Bridegroom

   The sun is compared to a bridegroom coming from his chamber, then to a strong man rejoicing to run a race.

   Psalm 19:4–5 (opens a new tab)

2. Clean

   The fear of the LORD is called clean and enduring for ever, followed by judgments described as true and righteous.

   Psalm 19:9 (opens a new tab)

3. Commandment

   The singular refers to the law as a whole, in the NET note.

   After the sun’s course, the psalm turns to the LORD’s instruction, calling the commandment pure and enlightening the eyes.

   Psalm 19:6 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 19:7–8 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)

4. Fine Gold

   The psalm values the LORD’s instruction above gold, even much fine gold, before comparing its sweetness with honey.

   Did you know?

   Psalm 119:127 returns to the same comparison, expressing love for the commandments above gold, even above fine gold.

   Psalm 19:7–10 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 119:127 (opens a new tab)

5. Firmament

   Sky, in the NET’s rendering.

   The firmament shows God’s handiwork alongside the heavens declaring glory; the verse gives two parallel pictures of the sky’s witness.

   Psalm 19:1 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)

6. Glory

   God’s glory is declared by the heavens in the opening line, paired with the firmament showing his handiwork.

   Did you know?

   Psalm 8:1 also joins glory and the heavens, addressing the LORD as the one who sets glory above them.

   Psalm 19:1 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 8:1 (opens a new tab)

7. Heavens

   The heavens open the psalm as witnesses to God’s glory; the following lines give their words a reach throughout the earth.

   Psalm 19:1–4 (opens a new tab)

8. Honey

   Honey and honeycomb supply the sweetness comparison after gold supplies the value comparison, continuing the psalm’s praise of the LORD’s instruction.

   Did you know?

   Psalm 119:103 makes a similar comparison with taste, calling the LORD’s words sweeter than honey to the speaker’s mouth.

   Psalm 19:7–10 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 119:103 (opens a new tab)

9. Judgments

   Psalm 19:9 says “the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether,” ending a list that opens with “the law of the LORD.”

   Psalm 19:7–9 (opens a new tab)

10. Knowledge

    Psalm 19:2 says “night unto night sheweth knowledge.” Verse 4 adds that “their words” reach “to the end of the world.”

    Psalm 19:2–4 (opens a new tab)

11. Pure

    The commandment is called pure; its effect is enlightening the eyes, which the NET renders as giving insight for life.

    Psalm 19:8 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)

12. Race

    The sun rejoices like a strong man running a race; the next verse describes its circuit and far-reaching heat.

    Psalm 19:5–6 (opens a new tab)

13. Speech

    Day utters speech to day; the KJV says the voice is heard everywhere, while the NET says no voice is literally heard.

    Psalm 19:2–4 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)

14. Statutes

    Precepts, in the NET’s rendering.

    The statutes are called right and heart-rejoicing, part of the sequence praising the LORD’s law, testimony, commandment and judgments.

    Psalm 19:7–9 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)

15. Testimony

    Rules set down by the LORD, in the NET’s rendering.

    The testimony of the LORD is called sure and makes the simple wise, paired with the law described as perfect.

    Psalm 19:7 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 19:1-11 (opens a new tab)