Introduction
Psalm 19 is a very special Psalm because it clearly proclaims the glory of God as revealed through God’s creation and by God’s word. Psalm 19 describes how the glory of God and the knowledge of God’s attributes can be seen and understood through the natural revelation of his creation. Psalm 19 also describes how the special revelation of God’s law more specifically proclaims God’s character and provides wisdom, joy, and light to those who live by that law. The special nature of Psalm 19 was noted by C.S. Lewis in his book Reflections on the Psalms; Lewis stated “I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”
This paper will present an analysis of Psalm 19 in regards to the Psalms (1) author, genre, structure, and message; (2) literary features such as imagery and figures of speech; (3) interpretive problems and proposed solutions; and (4) theological principles and applications.
Author, Genre, Structure, and Message
Psalm 19 was written by David according to the superscription “For the choir director. A Psalm of David.” Psalm 19 is likely a communal Psalm to be used by Israel in praising God for his revelation through the creation and the law. The
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Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version. New York: American Bible Society, 1995. Print. (BS195 .C66 1995)
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