Psalm 19/Overview/Introduction

Author

David

Book

Book 1 of the Psalter (Chapters 1–41)

Psalm 19: A Brief Summary

The psalm begins with the words “The sky is declaring God’s honor”, and ends with a prayer that “the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before YHWH”. Between these opening words about the sky and this closing prayer, we read that “YHWH’s instruction is perfect, restoring life”.

These words show us the journey of Ps 19, which reveals that from the huge and distant sky to the close and secret human heart, nothing is hidden from God. The instruction of YHWH exposes the human heart like the sun exposes everything on earth. It could be cause for despair to have the true condition of the human heart revealed, but it is not, because YHWH is a rock and a redeemer. He forgives sins and makes the human heart acceptable.

“Nothing is Hidden” This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.

The phrase “Nothing is hidden” (from v. 7) captures this core of the psalm and ties together all three sections. It begins with what people all over the earth see in the sky and ends with what each individual fears will be seen in his or her heart through the Lord’s instruction. It is wonderful—and terrifying—that nothing is hidden.

Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.

To pray for blamelessness.

Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.

YHWH, make me blameless (vv. 12-15)! Your glorious perfection, seen in the sky (vv. 2-7) and in your covenant instruction (vv. 8-11), exposes my sin and my need for blamelessness.

Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.

In order to be blameless and acceptable, YHWH's people need both his instruction and his redemption.