Bible Commentaries

"To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David." The ^a heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

(a) He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God's glory.

^b Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

(b) The continual success of the day and night is sufficient to declare God's power and goodness.

[There is] no speech nor ^c language, [where] their voice is not heard.

(c) The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, no matter how barbarous.

Their ^d 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,

(d) The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to show God's glory to us.

Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his ^e chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

(e) Or vail. The custom was that the bride and bridegroom would stand under a vail together, and after come forward with great solemnity and rejoicing of the assembly.

The ^f law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

(f) Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this should be sufficient to lead us to him.

The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] ^g true [and] righteous ^h altogether.

(g) So that all man's inventions and intentions are lies.

(h) Everyone without exception.

More to be ⁱ desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

(i) Unless God's word is esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great ^k reward.

(k) For God accepts our endeavour though it is far from perfect.

Who can understand [his] ^l errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

(l) Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for where sin is, there death is the reward.

Keep back thy servant also from ^m presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: ⁿ then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

(m) Which are done purposely and from malice.

(n) If you suppress my wicked affections by your Holy Spirit.

Let the words of my mouth, and the ^o meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(o) That I may obey you in thought, word and deed.