Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Providence is the best schoolmaster. This Psalm leads us, and is designed to lead us, to a contemplation of nature. Not the faintest apprehension appears, lest contradictions may be discovered between the world book and the word book. The sympathy with nature is complete, and not the less so because the poet has been enabled to penetrate the closest of her secrets. "The wisest of men are those who with pious eagerness trace the goings-forth of Jehovah as well in creation as in grace." Just that is the wisdom here. The study is a reverent study. God is seen everywhere. The lines are saturated with theology. There are, however, other voices of praise. While, doubtless, the heavens are the work. of God's fingers and declare His glory, His Word is yet "more to be desired." Fascinated as David has been with the contemplation of the Creator's works, he does not make the blunder of despising the written revelation. Some of the grounds for a conclusion which so exalts the Word above the works. 1. A comparison of the contents of the two revelations. From nature we may learn the existence of an infinite personal God. But is this mighty Author of the universe a friend? There throbs the tremendous interrogation concerning which the heavens make to the eager shepherd boy no answer. With regard to the problems which most deeply affect our welfare, nature only baffles us. The Gospel far surpasses all that nature can be made to teach. 2. Not only in its contents, but in the proclamation of them, is the Word magnified. Consider the instrumentalities selected for the utterance of the Gospel. Angels, the Son of God. 3. Consider by what enforcement of his Word God is magnified. In nature there is no provision for effectively reaching the conscience and moving the will. To apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ, the Spirit has come. 4. Observe the stupendous effects produced, by God's Word. "Enlightening the eyes." "rejoicing the heart, making wise the simple," "converting the soul," here are effects chiefly wrought by God's Word. (Hanford A. Edson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.WEB: The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. |
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