Psalm 19
Psalms 19 to 22 show the testimony God has given to man; in 19, the creation, and afterward the law; in 20 and 21, the suffering and exalted Christ; and in 22, Christ suffering at the hand of God. This leads to 23, the Shepherd's care, where Christ as the Man united to Israel, speaks for it to God as its Shepherd,—the Psalm gives the effect of the 22nd, for faith in the believer; and in 24, the smitten One of Psalm 22, comes in glory.
After Psalm 24 to the end of Book 1 (Psalm 41), we are shown the exercises of soul connected with the circumstances of the Jews who will believer after the Church of God is translated to glory, and finally (Psalm 40 and 41), Christ is brought again before the reader.
It is well to bear in mind that the words printed in italics under the psalm numbers in the ordinary Bible, for the purpose of telling the subject of each psalm, are not inspired, and are often very misleading; for example, for Psalm 20, we are told that it expresses "the Church's confidence in God's succor."
This is a mistake, for the Psalms were not written for or about the Church of God, but for the Jews who will hear the Word of God after the Church has been taken away at the Lord's coming.
In Psalm 19, verses 1 to 6, the subject is the creation, particularly that part of it which man has not been able to spoil,—the sky.
In verse 3, the correct reading is, "There is no speech, and there are no words, yet their voice is heard." Even the heathen have this testimony of God.
The latter part of the psalm is about the Word of, God, called here the law of the Lord ( Jehovah). Notice the change of the name,—"God" in the first verse, because everyone sees the works of God in creation; but in the seventh, eighth, ninth and fourteenth verses, it is "the Lord," or properly "Jehovah," God's covenant name, His name that speaks of His interest in a people on earth. The Jew had the law (Romans 9:44Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; (Romans 9:4)); did he not know it? (Romans 10:1919But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. (Romans 10:19)).
The Christian can enter into the truth of verses 7 to 11; and much more, as he reads and meditates upon the precious Word of God.
It is perfect; it restores the soul; it is sure; it makes wise the simple (verse 7).
Its precepts are right, rejoicing the heart; its commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes (verse 8).
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are truth, they are righteous altogether (verse 9).
More precious than much fine gold, and sweeter than honey and the dropping of the honey comb, is the Word of God (verse 10). By it His servants are enlightened, and in keeping it, there is great reward. (Verse 11).
Every Christian who reads the Bible as God's Word (which it is), and prayerfully seeks to learn from it, finds it by far the most valuable book in the world; it can not be compared with any other book. But do not fill your mind with newspapers and magazines, and then try to enjoy the Word of God.
Put God's Word first, and you will find the great reward.
Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930