PSALM 19:1-6 - REVELATION THROUGH CREATION

PSALM 19

INTRODUCTION: David wrote of two ways God reveals Himself to people. Verse 1-6 discuss the revelation of God in His Creation. The second half Psalm 19, verses 7-14, describes how God makes Himself known through His word. In the Complete Jewish Bible, this is translated “Torah”. Torah means instruction, which today can apply to all of the word, both old and new testaments.

Psalm 19:1-6

REVELATION THROUGH CREATION

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Susan: Without a voice, without words, the heavens and the firmament herald the existence of the Creator.

Susie: I use to love to float in a swimming pool in the evening, observing the moon and the stars. I was reminded how big my God is and amazed that He could care for me, a mere speck in His universe!

Susan: Many people make excuses for not believing in God, but none of them are valid.

Susie: He has revealed Himself in nature. The skies demand that a person believe in “intelligent design” which implies there must be a Master Designer!

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Psalm 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Susan: Every day, people are given multiple pictures, ample evidence of the fact that there is a God.

Susie: Every night, God confirms His existence by lighting the sky with the moon and the stars. The stars are arranged in constellations and can be used to navigate ships or direct travelers through the night. There is knowledge and design, a definite plan to how the night sky is laid out. The night shouts out that God is there and cares for His creation. 

Psalm 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Susan: The revelation of God in the skies is not dependent on language: it is universally understood and has no need of interpretation.

Psalm 19:4-5 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, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

Susie: Everyone in the world can view the skies, and the evidence of God in nature. Since this revelation does not require human language, it can be understood by all people everywhere.

Susan: The sun is the chief light of the sky, the most prominent feature. The sun exemplifies God’s strength.

Susie: David compares the sun to a groom on his wedding day and a runner confident of winning the race, two pictures of vim and vigor. It definitely puts God’s power on display. Again, this speaks to God’s design of the universe that the powerful sun is close enough to give us the light needed to live, yet not so close as to burn us up!

Psalm 19:6 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.

Susan: The sun is observed and experienced around the entire world.

Susie: Even the arctic areas of the north and south poles receive sunlight a portion of the day, varying with the time of year.

Susan: Therefore, the glory of God is undeniably on display throughout the earth.

Susie: According to Romans 1:20, quoted above, people are without excuse. God has made it abundantly clear that He exists and is all-powerful. Just as He made the Gospel known in multiple languages on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, He has made His existence known to every people group on the earth through nature. 

QUESTIONS

1.       As a cross-reference, read Psalm 8. Psalm 19 says the heavens declare God’s glory. How does Psalm 8 apply this to our relationship with the Lord?

2.       Do you speak multiple languages? Do sunlight and stars need to speak other languages to communicate?

3.       Does God reveal Himself to only one nation or race of people?

4.       To what two types of people does David compare the sun?

5.       Who is described as a Bridegroom in the New Testament? Do you think the use in Psalm 19 of that imagery is intentional or accidental? Why?