The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 19:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

THE nineteenth psalm is one of meditative praise. The psalmist, looking abroad over the whole world, finds two main subjects for his eulogy—first, the glorious fabric of the material creation (Psalms 19:1-6); and, secondly, the Divine Law which God has given to man (Psalms 19:7-11). Having thus poured out his heart in praise and thanksgiving to God, he turns his eye inward upon himself, and finds many shortcomings (Psalms 19:12). The thought of these leads him to prayer, and so the hymn concludes with a few short petitions (Psalms 19:12-14).

Rhythmically, the divisions correspond to the changes in the thought. There is first a stately movement, continued for six versos, devoted to the glories of the universe; then a livelier strain in longer (mostly double) lines, praising the Law of the Lord, and extending to five verses only; finally, a conclusion in short, broken lines, limited to three verses.

The psalm is generally allowed to be David's, and is declared to be his by the title. There are no internal indications by which to assign it a date.

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