Psalms 19
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
[When people look at everything that] God [has placed in] the skies, they can see that he is very great; they can see the great things that he has created.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Day after day [it is as though the sun] proclaims [the glory of God], and night after night [it is as though the moon and stars] say that they know [that God made them].
3 [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard.
They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
But what they declare [about God] goes throughout the world, and [even people who live in] the most distant/remote places on earth can know it. The sun is in the skies where God placed it [MET];
5 Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
it rises each morning like a bridegroom [who is happy] as he comes out of his bedroom after his wedding. It is like a strong athlete who is very eager to start running in a race.
6 His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The sun rises at one side of the sky and goes across [the sky and sets on] the other side, and nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.
The instructions that Yahweh has given us are perfect; they (revive us/give us new strength). We can be sure that the things that Yahweh has told us will never change, and [by learning them] people who have not been previously taught/instructed will become wise.
8 The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.
Yahweh’s laws are fair/just; [when we obey them], we become joyful. The commands of Yahweh are clear, and [by reading them] [PRS] we start to understand [how God wants us to behave].
9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.
It is good for people to revere Yahweh; that is something that they will do forever. What Yahweh has decided is fair, and it is always right.
10 More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
The things that God has decided are more valuable than gold, even the finest/purest gold. They are sweeter than honey that drips from honeycombs.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.
Furthermore, [by reading them] I learn [what things are good to do and what things are evil], and they promise a great reward to [us who] obey them.
12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].
But there is no one who can know all his errors [RHQ]; so Yahweh, forgive me for these things which I do that I do not realize are wrong.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins; ] let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Keep me from doing things that I know are wrong; do not let my sinful desires control me. If you do that, I will no longer be guilty for committing such sins, and I will not commit the great sin [of rebelling terribly] against you.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
O Yahweh, you are [like] an [overhanging] rock [MET] under which I can be safe; you are the one who protects me. I hope/desire that the things that I say and what I think will [always] please you.
