Psalm 19

​Like the familiarity of Psalm 23 or Psalm 100, this psalm was familiar to me as well — at least verses 7 thru 10, as I used to sing them as a kid. So, I was nervous as it crept closer to me having to deal with it.

It start off with typical 4-line stanzas, which went off the rails already after the second stanza. Verse 4 seemed to have an extra line thrown in. David introduces a line about the sun at the very end of verse 4, and continues to talk about it in verses 5 and 6.

​They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
Psalm 19:4-5

​​Because of this "extra" line, I decided to have extra lines in my poem as well to accommodate them, either to say something new or to emphasize a previous point.

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Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

​The heavens acknowledge God's glory;
the skies show his handiwork there.
And day after day they continue this way,
and nightly continue to share.
His knowledge is seen everywhere.

They use neither words nor a language;
and never is heard any sound.
Their message goes forth from the south to the north,
to the ends of the earth, round and round.
In heaven, the sun's home is found.

It bounds like a groom from his wedding;
an athlete who’s eager to run.
Beginning its quest till it sets in the west,
it follows its course until done.
None hide from the heat of the sun.

The law of the LORD is perfection,
restoring the spirit, indeed.
His teachings are sure, will forever endure,
providing all things to succeed,
like wisdom for people in need.

​The precepts the LORD has are righteous,
that bring a real joy to the heart;
his rules are austere, his commandments quite clear,
with insight for life from the start.
His prudence is poised to impart.

The fear of the LORD is upstanding,
​that ever and ever will last.
His judgments are true, his decisions are, too;
the future as well as the past.
No matter tomorrow's forecast.

More precious than gold are they worthy;
yea, even the finest gold known.
Though honey is sweet, they are more of a treat
than honey that drips from the comb;
the comb from the honeybee's home.

By them, I've been warned — as your servant,
obeying them yields great reward.
Who knows all the faults that are locked in our vaults?
Cleanse me from the secrets I've stored;
of sin without knowing it, LORD.

Keep me from the sins that are willful,
that they may not rule over me.
Then I would be clear of the great sin I fear,
and blameless and innocent be.
O LORD, I just want to be ​free.

May all of my words that I've spoken,
along with my innermost thought
be pleasing to you in your glorious view;
accept this reflection I've brought.
Redeemer, O LORD, and my rock.

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​The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
(19:1 - ESV)

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
(19:2 - BSB)

Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,
(19:3 - BSB)

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
(19:4 - NLT)

It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
(19:5 - NLT)

The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
(19:6 - NLT)

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
(19:7 - NASB)

The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
(19:8 - BSB)

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.
(19:9 - BSB)

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
(18:10 - NLT)

Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.
(19:11 - NKJV)

None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it.
(19:12 - CEV)

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
(19:13 - KJB)

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(19:14 - NLT)

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​ESV: English Standard Version   •   BSB: Berean Study Bible   •   NLT: New Living Translation   •   NASB: New American Standard Bible   •   NKJV: New King James Version   •   CEV: Contemporary English Version   •   KJB: King James Bible