overview: (NET)
The psalmist praises God for his self-revelation in the heavens and in the Mosaic law.
The psalmist concludes with a prayer, asking the Lord to keep him from sinning and to approve of his thoughts and words.
(BKC) The psalm, therefore, surveys both God’s natural revelation and His specific revelation, which prompts a response of self-examination.
Structure: (EBC) The psalm comprises three separate motifs that the author has brought together into a unified wisdom hymn:
creation praise (vv. 1–6),
a wisdom psalm (vv. 7–11), and
a prayer for forgiveness and acceptance (vv. 12–14).
1. v.1-4a
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the sky displays his handiwork.
2 Day after day it speaks out;
night after night it reveals his greatness.
3 There is no actual speech or word,
nor is its voice literally heard.
4 Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth;
its words carry to the distant horizon.
repeated word: declare, displays, speaks out, reveals, no actual speech or word, nor voice, yet its voices echoes, its words carry to the distant horizon.
Who is the audience? Did the psalmist trying to proof to the readers that God had spoken to us through His creation and their ongoing movement? Why? No one can deny the knowledge of God. After we know about Him, we need to respond to Him.
(EBC) It evokes a response of recognition of God’s existence, majesty, and wisdom and, therefore, of praise (cf. Rom 10:18).
Reflection: Do I hear God? God is glory. He created the world. He is great. He still speaks today. It is an ongoing process. Have I ever denied His existence and His glory?
What about God that I hear? Wise/glory and great? Or is God too small in my heart?
What change do I need to make in my life to reflect that I believe in God Who is wise/glory and great?
2. 4b-6
In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber;
like a strong man it enjoys running its course.
6 It emerges from the distant horizon,
and goes from one end of the sky to the other;
nothing can escape its heat.
repeated word: a bridegroom emerges from its chamber, a strong man enjoys running its course (EBC) The joy of the bridegroom, coming from the wedding canopy or the bridal chamber, represents the radiance of the sun. The “champion” (= “warrior” or “valiant man”), rejoicing in his strength as he sets out to run his course, represents the power of the sun, as it seems to move through “its circuit” (v. 6)
Again, nothing can escape the effect of the sun and so no one can deny the existence of God. However, when describing the sun the author reveals the emotion of God's creation, i.e. excitement and joy (v.5) as its move according to the Creator's design.
Reflection: How do I carry out my daily task given by the Lord? Am I satisfy when God is glorified? Or I dragged myself to do my task?
2. v.7-11
Suddenly David turned from the creation to the Law in v.7, but the themes of knowledge and joyful are repeated (v.1-4a, 7) (v.5, 8a, 10b) and expanded.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the LORD are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.
8 The LORD’s precepts are fair
The knowledge of God is perfect, life-preserving, reliable, imparting wisdom, and fair.
and make one joyful.
The LORD’s commands are pure
and give insight for life.
9 The commands to fear the LORD are right
and endure forever.
The judgments given by the LORD are trustworthy
and absolutely just.
10 They are of greater value than gold,
than even a great amount of pure gold;
they bring greater delight than honey,
than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.
11 Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there;
those who obey them receive a rich reward.
We are joyful to carry out the task given to us by God, and when we obey the precepts of God we are joyful v.8a, because we can find moral guidance and rich reward v.9-11.
(EBC) The revelation of God’s law is clearer than the revelation in nature. Nature “declares,” “proclaims,” “pours forth,” and “displays” the revelation of God’s majesty, wisdom, and power. However, the revelation of the law is greater...It is also greater because of the comprehensive nature of the revelation.
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