By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
GOD’S GLORY
Psalm 19:1–11
In Psalm 19 we learn that God made Himself known to people through general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is God revealing Himself through creation, the human conscience and history. Psalm 19 emphasizes God’s general revelation through creation.
It provides basic truths about God’s existence and attributes. Special revelation manifests God’s greatness to people through the inspired Word of God, the Bible. It is special because it goes beyond the foundational truths of general revelation and testifies to how a person can be saved and live in obedience to God.
Creation (1–6)
God has revealed Himself through His universe. “The heavens” refers to the sun, moon, stars and planets. The creation above continually testifies to the existence and excellencies of the Creator who made it. The truth about God is made known by “the work of His hands,” an anthropomorphism illustrating God’s sovereign power.
God’s revelation of Himself through His creation is unceasing. “Day after day” and “night after night” declare a never-
ending testimony of God’s glory. The creation reveals God’s eternal power, goodness, genius, kindness and faithfulness.
Even though creation does not speak audible words that can be heard, its “voice” reaches to the ends of the earth and is accessible wherever human speech is spoken. No one anywhere is without God’s self-revelation through creation.
David compared the sky and outer space to a tent in which God had placed the sun as a torch, lighting up the sky above. The sun is “like a bridegroom coming from his home” — radiant, glowing and bright. The sun “rejoices like an athlete running a course” — tireless, enduring and always advancing. God is like the noonday sun — bright and blinding in the radiance of His glory.
The glory of God is seen clearly in the sun. As it makes its daily journey across the sky, it impacts everyone and everything.
It is important to note that neither the heavens nor the sun are deified as was the case in many pagan religions. In the Bible, God alone is the Creator and Ruler of all things.
God’s Word (7–11)
The scene shifts from God’s world to God’s Word. The sun and the skies reveal the existence and omnipotence of God, but only in the Bible does God reveal how a person can be saved and know Him personally.
“The instruction of the Lord is perfect.” It is complete and sufficient, lacking nothing. It is so perfect that it can convert, transform and renew the entire inner person. “The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy.” “Testimony” derives from the root meaning “to bear witness.” We can be assured that the Word of God is worthy of trust and that it will impart wisdom to the gullible.
God’s Word is also described as “precepts” and a “command.” God governs people through His Word. His commands align with His character and result in joyful hearts and lives filled with purpose and meaning.
God’s Word is pure — without filthiness, defilement or imperfections. The Bible will never pass away. God’s ordinances are sure and lay out the divine standard for living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. God’s Word is infinitely more desirable and valuable than anything the world can offer.
The “instruction of the Lord” warns us of the consequences of disobedience and encourages us with the rewards to be experienced by living lives of righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Share with others: