Psalm 19, Part 1: Lessons From the Heavens

It would be hard not to date the writing of Psalm 19 sometime around the time David was a shepherd, for it extols the beauties and vast wonder of the heavens.

Surely he contemplated the heavens on the nights he kept vigil over his flocks on the hills surrounding Bethlehem. God reveals Himself to us through His created works, His law, and His Son. An appreciation of the things of nature brings us to the place where we can better understand the workings of His glory.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). “The glory of God is displayed in His handiwork. Here are mysteries that the mind will become strong in searching out. . . . All may find themes for study in the simple leaf of the forest tree, the spires of grass covering the earth with their green velvet carpet, the plants and flowers, the stately trees of the forest, the lofty mountains, the granite rocks, the restless ocean, the precious gems of light studding the heavens to make the night beautiful, the exhaustless riches of the sunlight, the solemn glories of the moon, the winter’s cold, the summer’s heat, the changing, recurring seasons, in perfect order and harmony, controlled by infinite power; here are subjects which call for deep thought, for the stretch of the imagination.” The stars making their rounds in perfect order prove intelligent design. Each day we are reminded that God controls the movements of the natural world. The heavens speak to us, not in audible tones but in the beauty and organization they display. “No finite mind can fully comprehend the existence, the power, the wisdom, or the works of the Infinite One. Says the sacred writer: ‘Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.’ Job 11:7-9.” “The mightiest intellects of earth cannot comprehend God. Men may be ever searching, ever learning, and still there is an infinity beyond.”