July 19, 2010

Examining The Scripture LXXX: Psalm 19 - Revelation of Creation


Psalm 19 divides into two major themes. They show the two forms of God’s revelation. It is a Psalm written by David. It is a Psalm about the Revelation of Creation. The Psalmist belief in the Creator God was not set over against the theory of evolution or the problems that "science" has with the Bible. For David the creation reveals something magnificant and amazing about God. His transcendental nature that is beyond human and almost beyond even grasping...but not quite. For God has reveal pieces of Himself to humans so that He is knowable in this life, on this planet, at this time. His revelation of Himself is awe inspiring and therefore worthy of any praise we can give Him. The hymn of creation is comprised of two parts: Revelation of the Skies and Revelation of the Law. In the order that they are given in the Bible they reveal things about God. First the orderliness and obvious structure and design points to God in the creation in a generalized way. The second portion of this Psalm is specific and a more detailed revelation of God's specific attributes through the Law.

I. The Natural Revelation of God (v. 1-6)

a. David announces that the heavens declare the glory
b. God and the sky proclaims His handiwork
c. [The Heavens] Day to day pour out “speech”, night to night reveals knowledge [of god]
d. The”words” of the creation go through all the earth and to the ends of the world.
e. God controls things in the heavens also and basically maps the course of the sun.

Although the creation doesn’t speak like a human its signs and and wonders “speak volumes” without articulating one human word. It is called natural revelation.

II. Specific Revelation of God (v. 7-11)

a. David speaks of the dominance the Law or its meticulousness and exactness just as the natural revelation revealed the exactness and deliberateness of the creation.
i. The Law is perfect and is the dominant specific revelation of the Old Testament

b. The precepts of the Lord [the Law] are right. A joy to the heart.
i. They enlighten the eyes (guide) of those who obey them
ii. Righteous altogether.

III. David Reacts to The Law of God

a. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
b. Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb
c. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Note: The image used for this post is from the Hubble Space Telescope. The image is of M16 Eagle Nebula NGC 6611 also known as "Pillars of Creation" so named by scientists.

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