psalms’ as opposed to some more generic type of ‘wisdom hymns’. Scripture: Psalms 19:1-14. Jesus’ Death and the Powers: Cultural Exlusivism (Law), 7. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (Ezekiel), 12. Yes. A Reflection on Psalm 23 - Words of David ST. MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER 2900 First Avenue • Huntington,WV 25702 304-526-1234 • www.st-marys.org. Then it celebrates God's law The sun is just part of God’s creation.”[9], III. Allen Ross articulates that “the sun may be compares to a mighty man rising in the morning from a bridal chamber; but contrary to pagan myth it is still the sun, and the language is poetic. 12 Who can discern his errors? This song very distinctly divides itself into three parts, very well described by the translators in the ordinary heading of our version. In addition, the value of revelation calls for a response and the highlight of this psalm extends to the psalmist’s response. Today, many people do not understand how God can be a God of love and a God of law at the same time. Psalm 2 is considered to be a ‘royal psalm’ or an 'enthronement psalm.' Conclusion: Is There an Atonement Model in this Story? c. Believers must always pray that their words and thought be acceptable to the LORD (14). Theology, Retribution, and the Ways of Peace, 14. Creedence Clearwater Revivial—WILLY AND THE POORBOYS, 97. Think of the things that bring you the most joy. We see it every day, and there is no real explanation for all we see except God made it. So, the first purpose of the commands is to bring God’s people joy. . our small group asks us at the beginning of each meeting. The word showeth his grace, Psalms 19:7-11. Then we are reminded of the dangers of turning from the commands. It also affirms trust in God the Forgiver (v. 12) and rock-solid Redeemer (v. 14). Specific Revelation: The word of the LORD is most desirable because it not only reveals God’s will but also transforms the lives of people (7–11), In 19:7, language, style and content abruptly change from the revelation of God’s creation to the value of the word of the LORD. One reason the word is a greater revelation than creation is that it tells us much more about God. The word of the LORD is desirable and enjoyable because it enables people to be pleasing to the LORD (10–11). ii. It is important to notice the first part of Psalm 19 before focusing on the fascinating portrayal of God’s commands. 1-5). Robert Earl Keen—A BIGGER PIECE OF SKY, Agnostic, Atheist Votes Matter in November. The Rolling Stones—THE BEGGAR’S BANQUET, 58. So, when we move on to the words about the Law, we are prepared to recognize in the lawgiver the possibilities of joy more than judgment, healing more than condemning, creativity more than legalism. In addition, the value of revelation calls for a response and the highlight of this psalm extends to the psalmist’s response. God does not give us the commands just so that we might realize what worms we are. Psalm 19 shows the revelation of God in nature and in his word. Thank you that you are the God who loves before judging, no matter who we … "Look at the sky," the psalmist says. To the leader. THE nineteenth psalm is one of meditative praise. Restoring Wholeness: The Alternative to Vengeance, Rethinking God, Justice, and Treatment of Offenders, Against Empire: A Yoderian Reading of Romans, MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE: The Bible’s Salvation Story, 10. I don't think I have ever answered by quoting the first verses of Psalm 19, but I may remember to next time. Reflection on Psalm 19 Roddy Hamilton has written given Psalm 19 a thoughtful treatment. Many phrases are repeated, using different words to convey similar 10 C.S. The sun on its vigorous and powerful course dominates the heavenly proclamation (4b–6). [7] Natural revelation is without words and is universal, being unrestricted by the division of languages. 1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. In Psalm 19:1-6, God is referred to as El – the most generic word for God in the Hebrew language (even more generic than the commonly used Elohim). Pingback: Bible Studies on the Old Testament God « Peace Theology. Day three land and vegetation, Psalm 104:6-18; as per Genesis 1:9-13. Like Like. Finally, the psalm offers an invitation to lead a life directed by God’s torah or teaching (vv. Others suggest that it was an old hymn to the creator that the writer used as an introduction of his work. There are many parallels to these truths in the spiritual realm. 3. [8] However, in 19:4a, the heavenly revelation continues throughout the whole earth, the “words” reaching to the end of the inhabited world. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; (Praise of I AM as author of Torah) 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. The 19th Psalm has to be one of my favorite psalms. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Today we will be studying psalm 19, and our message is entitled, ‘Responding to God’s Revelation.’ The word “revelation” implies the fact that God must make Himself known to us. Saturday, December 19, 2020 – You Will Conceive. Reflections on Psalms 19 Psalms 19 (Contemporary English Version) (A psalm by David for the music leader.) Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. Psalms 19:7. It reveals Him as the covenant God of love, as reflected in the structure of this psalm. There are two excellent books which the great God has published for the instruction and edification of the children of men; this psalm treats of them both, and recommends them both to our diligent study. In fact, as we have been seeing, God seeks to bring healing to all the families of the Earth. I didn’t know this when I moved to Ohio: Cleveland is almost as wet as Seattle. It is divided into three parts: the revelation of creation, the revelation of God’s law, and a prayer for cleansing and preservation from sin. Father, Thank you for today. (2) Whither 21st Century Anabaptist Theology? . Wrestling with the Bible and its interpreters, 15. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. During the day Anne will look at some of the prominent themes within this Psalm. Psalm 19 is a classic presentation of divine revelation and its intended effects. Is the book of Revelation a resource for peacemaking? Day four the sun, moon, and stars, Psalm 104:19-23; as described in Genesis 1:14-16. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. . Judaism recites the words of this Psalm at Shabbat and Yom Tov. Literal: The statutes (Word of God) are perfect. At the heart of Psalm 89 is the question of faithfulness.1 More particularly, the question centers on the faithfulness of God. Three stanzas consisting of seven quatrains (two lines; 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14). a. Believers must pray for cleansing from hidden faults (12). These sons of Korah were Levites, who were involved in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19).The term ‘Selah’ which occurs at … EXPOSITION. Worship and the prophetic vocation (Isaiah 6:1-8; 12:1-6), 2. Introduction), The Long Shadow: World War II’s Moral Legacy (02. IIII. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Then two. A Pacifist Critique of the Modern Worldview, 17. The things which are bad for you spiritually, which are bad for your so… Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (Zephaniah), 07. 1 God is our refuge and strength, . Psalm 19 continues on this theme — and once more challenges our traditional understandings about the Old Testament portrayal of God. and the mountains topple. Evaluation of the Standard Account and Ongoing Issues, Bible Studies on the Old Testament God « Peace Theology, Christian pacifism as fully compatible with evangelical theology: Reviewing Ron Sider’s recent books on pacifism, Christology: What It is and Why It Matters, Why Am I a Christian? Many phrases are repeated, using different words to convey similar 10 C.S. Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (Malachi), Reflections on the Old Testament God (01): Exodus 3, Reflections on the Old Testament God (02): Exodus 20, Reflections on the Old Testament God (03): Exodus 32, Reflections on the Old Testament God (04): Exodus 34, Reflections on the Old Testament God (05): Psalm 8, Reflections on the Old Testament God (07): Psalm 46, Reflections on the Old Testament God (08): Psalm 47, Reflections on the Old Testament God (09): Psalm 63, Reflections on the Old Testament God (10): Psalm 66, Reflections on the Old Testament God (11): Psalm 90, Reflections on the Old Testament God (12): Psalm 91, Reflections on the Old Testament God (13): Psalm 139, Victory over the powers of death and evil, A moral critique of America’s first “total war”, A revealing look at an American theological icon, The Centrality of God’s Love: A Response to Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision, part 1, The Centrality of God’s Love: A Response to Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision, part 2, The Centrality of God’s Love: A Response to Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision, part 3, The Centrality of God’s Love: A Response to Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision, part 4, (01) What Do We Do With Theology? In the ancient world, the pagans worshipped the sun god, called either Shamash or Shamshu. After considering His creation, David then thought about the way that God deals with His people. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Witnessing to the preciousness of life, 09. Psalm 19:7-10 simply repeats itself, over and over celebrating the life-giving message of God’s words given to humanity. Lewis declared Psalm 19 the treasure trove of the Psalter: … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 19" PSALM 19:1-6. ( Log Out /  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. The psalm then does conclude with the other side. Traditionally, the Psalm has been ascribed to David, but, some scholars believe the Psalm was written later (verse 19’s petition to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem would be out of place if written by David). But we shall then know that these are the same thing. The message of Psalm 19 is made emphatic by the use of parallel phrases, often chiastic in nature. (2.18.07), (07) Humanness: A Blessing or a Curse? “We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.” In Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis examines the mysterious and beloved Psalms to reveal the timeless meaning behind these ancient and cherished verses. Thank you for mercy. The Babylonian god Shamash is called the “bridegroom.” In response, the psalmist draws attention to expression against the pagan myth. Putting Restorative Justice into Practice, 9. Enter your email to receive notifications of new Daily Reflection Posts. At the end of Psalm 91, the speaker changes to the Lord: Because he has his heart set on me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. The Logic of Retribution and Its Consequences, 8. Psalm 19 - For the director of music. “I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world,” C. S. Lewis, “Haydn’s Creation suggests the power this psalm can still express in a work of music.”. ( Log Out /  The poetry refers to God’s creation as a tent in the heavens in which the sun spends night. It follows, "then shall I be upright;" so that the man in whom gross or presumptuous sins or sins have no dominion , … enlightening. God does not give us the commands just so that we might realize what worms we are. [14] In the Revised Common Lectionary, Psalm 19 is used in Easter, ordinary time after Pentecost, Lent, Ordinary time after Epiphany. John Howard Yoder: A Faithful Teacher in the Church, Making the penultimate too important often leads to violence, 1. A Psalm of David. It starts with a declaration on our part, along with the psalmist, to make God "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." [4], Parallelism without any chiastic features:[5], II. Pacifism and Knowing: John Howard Yoder’s Epistemology, A Pacifist Way of Knowing: Postmodern Sensibilities and Peace Theology, Bibliography: Peace and Justice and the Bible, Conrad Grebel Review (Spring 2009)—responses to J.D.Weaver, Pacifism with Justice: The Biblical and Theological Case, 1. After expressing natural and the specific revelation, the psalmist reflects on himself in relation to God and his revelation. As a response, believers realize their sinfulness, are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and live as worshipers. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Jus in bello), The Long Shadow: World War II’s Moral Legacy (04. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. The coming of Jesus does not and should not alter our fear of the Lord, even though Jesus calls us friends. God's wishes for us, a Reflection on Psalm 19 "Where did you see God?" Psalm 46 (CSB) . False worship, authentic worship (Isa 29:9-16; 65:17-25), 3. An Exposition of Psalm 19, Part One. . 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. So much is touched on in just 14 verses! Healing Justice: The Prophet Amos and a “New” Theology of Justice, 05. Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (Amos), 02. The Latin version begins "Caeli enarrant gloriam Dei". “It seems that there is a general rule in the moral universe which may be formulated, 'The higher, the more in danger'. The creator God infuses each day with possibilities for happiness, even ecstasy. In them hath he … God is not a bellhop, a Reflection on Psalm 19 I like Shevack and Bemporad's book so much that I am reposting an earlier entry: God is not a cosmic bellhop, Michael Shevack & Jack Bemporad tell us in their Stupid ways, Smart ways to think about God . [2], However, in context, verses 1–6 speak against pagan beliefs, which means God created the sun. There is no compelling evidence to date the composition in the post-exilic period, but it might have been composed earlier. You have to respond to it. The Scotch catechism says that man’s chief end is ‘to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’. Just having a day and night by simple planet movements should have most in awe and amazement for what God has done. To recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. David authored Psalm 19. Psalm 19 is the 19th psalm in the Book of Psalms, known in English by its first verse, in the King James Version, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. In Psalm 19 verses 1-6, we are reminded of God’s wonderful creation. We are reminded both of God’s creative and sovereign power and God’s inclination to provide humanity (and all of creation) with possibilities for joy and creativity. The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. The material in verses 7–11 emphasizes the law.[10]. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. The heavens so declare the glory of God, and proclaim his wisdom, power, and goodness, that all ungodly men are left without excuse. Change ). A David Psalm God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. For example, Briggs and Morgenstern consider the first part of the psalm which praises God’s creation as originally non-Israelite — an old hymn to the sun god Shamash/ Shemesh[1] identified as El and not to Yahweh. Using the the above commentary, make a "chart" defining the expressions used in Psalms 19 and 119 to describe the Word of God. God’s Saving Justice: Paul and Salvation. though the earth trembles. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Their line — Their admirable structure, made with great exactness, and, as it were, by rule or line, as the word קו, kav, here used, generally signifies. Slaid Cleaves—EVERYTHING YOU LOVE WILL BE TAKEN AWAY, 86. Or, their lines, the singular number being put for the plural, that is, their writing, made up of several lines. In his Reflections on the Psalms, C.S. Really, you say? Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. God is not setting humanity up for failure. Salvation in the Prophets, Salvation in Jesus: Mercy not Retribution, 08. A Reflection on Psalm 19... A priest observed a woman sitting in the empty church with her head in her hands. Ebook version. God is not setting humanity up for failure. A psalm of David. The other two are Psalm 1 and Psalm 119. I’ve been carried along by … In his Reflections on the Psalms, C.S. (John 15:14) The fear of the Lord is in opposition to all false ways of reverencing (or not reverencing) Him. It follows, "then shall I be upright;" so that the man in whom gross or presumptuous sins or sins have no dominion , … FORM, STRUCTURE, AND MOVEMENT The message of Psalm 19 is made emphatic by the use of parallel phrases, often chiastic in nature. No matter how foolish, how childlike, we may be to begin with, so long as our minds are free from gunning and craftiness, and as are simple and sincere, this Book will make us truly wise. Psalm 19 has preoccupied my study time over the past week or so, reflecting on the beauty of creation and the power and blessing of God’s Law. God uses God’s chosen people to spread whole-making shalom to all peoples. Commentary on Psalm 19:7-10 (Read Psalm 19:7-10) The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun. The first six verses of Psalm 19 are remarkable in themselves, but David didn’t stop there. Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (Zechariah), 13. Psalm 19:4-5. Crash Test Dummies—THE GHOSTS THAT HAUNT ME, 98. Psalms 19:8. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Form: song, a hymn. So, revelation must come from God’s initiative. Because Psalm 19 is connected to Psalm 18 in poetry, subject matter, and in theme as both passages focus on God’s dominion over creation. psalm 20 praise to god for christ’s exaltation after his passion. Reflections on Old Testament Prophets (2 Isaiah), 05. I think the imagery in verse 5 is saying that natural revelation is dominating and powerful. (See the section on memory work). The passages from the Old Testament that we are considering this quarter may be read, so far at least, as helping us understand God’s creative love for humankind. 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