Three Voices Pointing Us to Christ (preaching resoource for Epiphany 3: 1/26/25)
This exegesis of Psalm 19 provides context for the RCL reading in the Book of Psalms on Epiphany 3 (1/26/25). Insights are drawn from Allen Ross ("Bible Knowledge Commentary") and J.A. Motyer ("New Bible Commentary").
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| "David, King of Israel" by Honthorst (public doman via Wikimedia Commons) |
Introduction
In Psalm 19, we encounter three voices that speak in counterpoint: 1) God’s voice in creation (natural revelation), 2) God’s voice in the Law (special revelation), and 3) David’s voice in response to God. All three voices point us to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Note that in this psalm, David first presents God as’ēl, a name denoting God’s power as Creator. Then he speaks of God as Yahweh (“LORD”)—the personal name by which God revealed himself as Israel’s covenant God. This sequence is intentional, meant as a contrast to the pagan sun god, who was seen as the god of justice. David presents the Lord God as the Creator who created all that is (including the sun) and as the Law-Giver who establishes justice in all the earth. And now we hear this God speak. Let’s listen.
1. Natural revelation
Psalm 19:1-6
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
Here David announced that the heavens declare the glory (splendor) of God as nature’s Creator (v1). Indeed, the majestic creation is evidence of an even more majestic Creator. The heavens continually (day after day…night after night) display this fact (v2). And though creation is unable to speak audibly (see the NIV margin), its message (voice) goes out to the ends of the earth. The message from nature about the glory of God thus reaches all nations, and is equally intelligible to all (see Romans 1:18-20).
Dominating nature’s display in the heavens is the sun. Like a bridegroom who excitedly leaves his house on his wedding day, the sun rises; and like a champion runner racing on his course, the sun makes its circuit. These verses (4b-6) do more than speak of nature as a witness to God’s glory; they also undermine pagan beliefs, for the same imagery was used of the sun god in ancient Near Eastern literature.
2. Special revelation
Psalm 19:7-10
Paradoxically, as noted above, though nature speaks loudly of God’s glory (v2) it has no actual voice (v3). Thus the created order both tells and does not tell: it speaks to our intuitions, that there is a glorious God who created such marvels, but its message is limited—it cannot tell us about this God. Thus to know God as He truly is, we need more than natural revelation; we need special revelation, and that’s where David goes next.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
Here David indicated that the Lord has not left his people to the uncertainties of natural revelation. He has spoken directly and clearly in special revelation given through his word, which here is given six related titles: 1) law; 2) statutes—what the Lord bears witness to as valid; 3) precepts—applicable to the small details of life; 4) commands—intended for obedience; 5) fear—worthy of reverence; 6) ordinances—authoritative decisions.
David called this revelatory word, given to Israel under the old covenant, perfect (“flawless”—see Psa. 12:6; 18:30 and Prov. 30:5). This is so because it accomplishes its intended purpose, which is to change people—reviving the soul. Its statutes make one wise, its precepts give joy to the heart and its commands enlighten one’s eyes (brightening one’s life by giving guidance).
Fear of the Lord (reverence for God) is the aim of this word, which David declared to be pure…sure and righteous—that is, designed to lead believers to obey God and thus lead righteous lives. In v10, David noted that he found this revelation personally enjoyable and valuable—more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known in the ancient Near East.
3. David’s response
Psalm 19:11-14
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Here David comes to a conclusion—he finds great value in God’s special revelation (God’s word, mediated to David, an Israelite under the old covenant, through the Law of Moses). By obeying this word, David is warned, enlightened and enriched (receiving great reward) (v11). Moreover, through the Law David is convicted of his sin and brought to the place where he is ready to seek forgiveness (v12). Through the Law, he is given new aspirations, including a longing to be blameless (v13), which means pure and whole (fully integrated; without hypocrisy), just like the word of God itself (see v7). In particular, it means having speech that is acceptable to God (v14). The creation (natural revelation) is silent, but we must not be. We are called to glorify God in both word and deed.
Conclusion
But how can a life of obedience to God’s Law be sustained? David was a realist—he knew how sinful (full of flaws) he was, and so he understood that perfection comes not by human obedience, but by turning in faith to the Lord himself in his Rock-strength and reliability, and in his graciousness as humankind’s Redeemer (the next of kin who takes all our needs as his own as in Ruth 3:13).
Though David’s relationship with God was grounded in the Law under the old covenant, David saw beyond the Law to its ultimate end (goal, conclusion, fulfillment) in Christ who, in himself, is the new covenant. Today, as followers of Jesus under the new covenant, we study both general revelation in nature, and the special revelation of the Law of Moses. Why? Because both point us to Christ. However, we look beyond both to the full and final revelation of our triune God found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Rock and Redeemer.