1The works of God in the heavens proclaim their Maker's glory. 7The excellency of the divine law. 12David prayeth for God's grace and acceptance.
0To the 1chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 See the first annotation at Psalm 4 in the title.
1THE heavens 2declare the glory of God; and the 3firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 That is, gives us matter and occasion to speak about the omnipotence, wisdom and goodness of God.
3 See Gen. 1 on verse 6.
24Day unto day 5uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
4 That is, each day and night, successively following one to another.
5 That is, they, as it were, teach and instruct us continually, even as the fountains or well-springs still yield and bubble forth water abundantly, which is properly understood by the Hebrew word. See Prov. 18:4; Eccl. 12:8; Isa. 49:10.
3There is 6no speech nor language, where 7their voice is not heard.
6 That is, howsoever different the languages and words of men may be, so that the one is not able to understand the other, nevertheless (we may say) the language of these creatures and works of God is plain and intelligible to all, that we may well know what it is they want to tell us. Other, They have no speech and no words, yet their voice is heard, that is, understood. See Gen. 11 on verse 7.
7 Namely, of the heavens, from verse 1.
4Theira8line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a 9tabernacle for the sun,
a Rom. 10:18.
8 That is, their most excellent structure, as if it were measured out all over by the ruling-line, and framed accordingly. See Job 38 on verse 5; Zech. 1:16. Or, ruling-line, pattern, precept, writing, that is, it is as if they wrote and taught us with coarse lines and letters of their Creator. Compare Isa. 28:10 and what application the apostle made of this, see Rom. 10:18.
9 This is further declared in the sequel.
510Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoicethb as a 11strong man to run a race.
10 Namely, the sun, most beautifully and gloriously breaking forth and rising up, as a bridegroom is used to come forth on his wedding day and appear with all the ornamented garments. See Isa. 61:10.
b Eccl. 1:5.
11 Running quickly and strongly from the ascent to the descent. Compare Eccl. 1:5.
6His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is 12nothing hid from the heat thereof.
12 Or, no one. Understand where the sun shines.
7Thec13law of the LORD is perfect, 14converting the soul: the 15testimony of the LORD is 16sure, making wise the simple.
c 2 Sam. 22:31; Psalm 18:30.
13 Or, doctrine, that is, the Holy Word of God. See Psalm 1 on verse 2.
14 Or, bringing back, raising up again, that is, reviving, comforting, as Psalm 23:3. See also Ruth 4 on verse 15. This is the fruit of the doctrine of the Gospel.
15 His Word, testifying of His being, will and works.
16 That is, true, assured, firm, steadfast. Compare Psalm 93:5; 111:7.
8The statutes of the LORD are 17right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the 18eyes.
17 Or, straight, that is, in all things uniform and harmonious, agreeing well one with another, and showing the only direct and straight way to salvation. See of the Hebrew word Psalm 7 on verse 10.
18 Of the understanding. See Psalm 13 on verse 3.
9The 19fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are 20true and righteous altogether.
19To fear and honour God, likewise to walk in his ways are used the one for the other, Isa. 29:13. Compare with Mat. 15:9, and 2 Chron. 6:31 with 1 Kings 8:40 and Psalm 128:1. So that here by the filial fear, wherewith the children of God honour Him by faith, there may be conveniently understood the doctrine of the true religion and worship of God, being pure from all pollution of human inventions, and procuring cleanness of hearts and hands, Psalm 24:4.
20 That is, they are very true; true in all regard, nothing but mere truth.
10Mored to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweetere also than honey and the 21honeycomb.
d Ps. 119:72, 127. Prov. 8:11.
e Ps. 119:103.
21 Hebr. the flowing of the honeycomb, that is, which runs off or flows over from the honeycomb without any pressing, unrestrained honey.
11Moreover by them is thy servant 22warned: and in keeping of them there is great 23reward.
22 The Hebrew verb for warned signifies to give luster or clearly to shine, and further to admonish or warn, whereby a man gets light and clarity for his soul, together with use, profit and advantage. Compare Ezek. 3:18, 19, 20, 21.
23 The Hebrew word signifies the heel (Gen. 3:15; 25:26) and is further taken for the end of a thing (as the head for the beginning) and besides for issue, success, profit, reward, because they come in the end or as last; as likewise another word, signifying properly the back-part, is used to the same purpose. See Prov. 23 on verse 18. Now that God is pleased to honour the obedience of His children, notwithstanding their imperfection, with great promises, (and) keeps and rewards the same for delights, this does not come about by their merit, but by His grace for the merits of Jesus Christ.
12Who can understand his 24errors? cleanse thou me from 25secret faults.
24 That is, sins, which are committed through ignorance and unadvisedness. See Lev. 4 on verse 2. Implying that none is able to understand (so many, manifold, yea, they are innumerable). Compare 1 Kings 3:9 with 2 Chron. 1:10.
25 Those which I see not, and (of which I) am not aware.
13Keep back thy servant also from 26presumptuous sins; let them not have 27dominion over me: then shall I be 28upright, and I shall be innocent from the 29great transgression.
26 Or, wilfulnesses, that is, willful and presumptuous sins, which are committed wittingly and willfully, with purpose of heart and pride, in contempt of God.
27 Compare Rom. 6:12.
28 See Gen. 6 on verse 9.
29 Or, much, manifold.
14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be 30acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
30 Hebr. unto or according to well-pleasing or acceptableness. Compare Isa. 56:7; Jer. 6:20.