What is the meaning of Psalm 19:9? The fear of the LORD • “Fear” here speaks of reverent awe, not terror, the same posture Moses modeled when he “trembled with fear” yet drew near (Hebrews 12:21). • This attitude recognizes God’s greatness and authority, just as Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • It guards the heart against pride and sin; compare how Joseph resisted temptation by stating, “How then could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). is pure • Nothing corrupt or self-serving contaminates true fear of God; it is unmixed devotion. • Psalm 24:3-4 links purity and worship: “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • Because God Himself is holy (Isaiah 6:3), any fear that flows from Him must reflect His holiness. enduring forever • Unlike human emotions that fade, reverent fear remains because God is eternal (Psalm 90:2). • Isaiah 33:6 notes, “The fear of the LORD is His treasure,” suggesting a lasting, valuable possession. • Throughout eternity redeemed saints will still revere God (Revelation 15:4), proving this quality never expires. the judgments of the LORD • “Judgments” refers to God’s rulings, decisions, and revealed standards, encompassing Scripture’s commands and God’s providential acts. • Psalm 119:160 affirms, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.” • Each judgment displays His character, as seen when He judged Egypt yet spared Israel (Exodus 12:12-13). are true • Every divine verdict aligns with reality; God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). • Jesus prayed, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), echoing this certainty. • Believers can rely on His promises of salvation (John 3:16) and warnings of wrath (John 3:36) with equal confidence. being altogether righteous • God’s judgments are not merely accurate; they are morally perfect. • Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “All His ways are just. A faithful God, without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” • Because His standards are flawless, they expose human sin (Romans 3:20) and point to the need for Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). summary Psalm 19:9 celebrates two unchanging realities: a reverent, pure, everlasting fear that honors God, and perfectly true, righteous judgments that flow from Him. Together they call us to trust His Word, submit to His authority, and walk in holiness, confident that every divine decree is faultless and eternally reliable. |
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