PSALM
19
When you want to get to know someone or when you are trying to describe one person to another, you concentrate upon what the person does and what he says. By these things a person’s character and ability are revealed. This psalm deals with God’s expression of Himself, introducing Himself to man by His work (the material universe) and by His word (the law).
Before beginning to read this, try to recall how you
felt on an occasion when you were very aware of God’s revelation in nature (a particular sunset, a thunder-storm, etc.). Share this with the person you are studying
with.
1. Discover all the words in
verses 1-4 which describe the function of the heavens. What times and places are mentioned in
connection with this activity?
2. How do the heavens speak
without speech or words or voice? What
do they say?
3. In verses 4c-6 the activity
of the sun is described. What pictures
do the similes suggest?
How do you know the psalmist is not suggesting
worship of the sun?
4. How does verse 6 emphasize
vv. 4a and 4b? Why must all men know
something about God? What would happen
to mankind without the heat and light of the sun?
5. What do the heavens reveal
to you about God?
Read verses 7-14 (It deals with specific revelation through God’s law/Word).
6. To what subject does the
psalmist now turn our attention?
7. In verses 7-9, what synonyms
are used for “the law of the Lord”? What
is said concerning the nature of the mind and will of the Lord?
8. What four effects upon man
are mentioned in verses 7, 8? In each
case, describe in your own words the need that is met.
a.
b.
c.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
9. With what two things are the
expressions of the Lord’s will (i.e., the
Law) now contrasted (vs. 10)?
What realms of life are suggested by these
contrasts?
10. Summarize in your own words
the meditations of the psalmist in verses 7-10.
What occasion have you had to discover these things
to be true in your own life?
11. What two effects do the law
and ordinances of the Lord have upon the writer in verse 11? What relationship does he have with the Lord?
12. To what realization does the
psalmist come in verse 12?
As a result, what four petitions does he make in
prayer (vss. 12-14)?
13. How would you define “hidden
faults” and “presumptuous sins”?
Why may they sometimes have dominion (rule) over a person?
14. How may a man be blameless,
innocent, and acceptable?
What does it reveal about the Lord that He is called
my rock and my redeemer?
15. This psalm moves from the
vastness of the heavens to the inner thoughts of a man’s heart. What does it reveal about God as to what He
does and says?
16. What has studying this psalm
changed in your thoughts about God?
17. What has studying this psalm motivated you to
do differently or begin to do?