1._The heavens declare the glory of God. _(444) I have already said, that this psalm consists of two parts, in the first of which David celebrates the glory of God as manifested in his works; and, in the other, exalts and magnifies the knowledge of God which shines forth more clearly in his word. He... [ Continue Reading ]
2._Day unto day uttereth speech. _Philosophers, who have more penetration into those matters than others, understand how the stars are arranged in such beautiful order, that notwithstanding their immense number there is no confusion; but to the ignorant and unlettered, the continual succession of da... [ Continue Reading ]
3._There is no language nor speech [where] their voice is not heard. _This verse receives two almost contrary interpretations, each of which, however, has the appearance of probability. As the words, when rendered literally, read thus — _No language, and no words, their voice is not heard _— some co... [ Continue Reading ]
7._The law of the Lord. _Here the second part of the psalm commences. After having shown that the creatures, although they do not speak, nevertheless serve as instructors to all mankind, and teach all men so clearly that there is a God, as to render them inexcusable, the Psalmist now turns towards t... [ Continue Reading ]
8._The statutes of Jehovah are right. _The Psalmist at first view may seem to utter a mere common-place sentiment when he calls the statutes of the Lord _right. _If we, however, more attentively consider the contrast which he no doubt makes between the rectitude of the law and the crooked ways in wh... [ Continue Reading ]
9._The fear of Jehovah is clean. _By the _fear of God _we are here to understand the way in which God is to be served; and therefore it is taken in an active sense for the doctrine which prescribes to us the manner in which we ought to fear God. The way in which men generally manifest their fear of... [ Continue Reading ]
10._More to be desired are they than gold. _The Psalmist now exalts the law of God both on account of its price and sweetness. This commendation depends on the commendations given in the preceding verses; for the many and great advantages which he has just now enumerated, ought justly to make us acc... [ Continue Reading ]
11._Moreover, by them is thy servant made circumspect. _These words may be extended generally to all the people of God; but they are properly to be understood of David himself, and by them he testifies that he knew well, from his own experience, all that he had stated in the preceding verses respect... [ Continue Reading ]
12._Who can understand his errors? _This exclamation shows us what use we should make of the promises of the law, which have a condition annexed to them. It is this: As soon as they come forth, every man should examine his own life, and compare not only his actions, but also his thoughts, with that... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins. _By _presumptuous sins _he means known and evident transgressions, (469) accompanied with proud contempt and obstinacy. By the word _keep back, _he intimates, that such is the natural propensity of the flesh to sin, that even the saints themselv... [ Continue Reading ]
14._Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart. _David asks still more expressly to be fortified by the grace of God, and thus enabled to live an upright and holy life. The substance of the verse is this: I beseech thee, O God, not only to keep me from breaking forth into the external... [ Continue Reading ]