1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
I love the idea that creation is speaking a universal language, with no words, but the message is unmistakable.
This reminds me of what Paul says in Romans 1. The visible world conveys a truth about our invisible God. It is an expression of His creative genius, which is an expression of His character. The world attests to its Creator.
Think about the power of the sun. It brings light and heat to the whole world; its presence is undeniable.
From verse 4, the "tent" for the sun is the word "tabernacle". This is meant to elicit thoughts of YHWH's Tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of His glory.
So, it is with God -- His handiwork is unmistakable. Only an even greater Creator could create something so powerful and magnificent as the Sun.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 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. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
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.
I love this transition. The created world reveals God's glory; the Law reveals God's character. The Law is perfect because the Law-giver is perfect.
We often talk about God's Law, as if it is a terrible thing.
Yes, the Law does reveal to us our sin. Yes, it took a perfect Savior to fulfill the Law because we were/are incapable of doing so.
But, David here sees the Law of the Lord as a good thing. It revives the soul.
The Mosaic Law marked Israel as YHWH's people, His special portion, His bride.
It was obedience to these commands that they spoke during their covenant ceremony. It should be worn as a badge of honor. It was a mark of their fidelity. They belonged to the God that created the world, everything in it, the Sun, the stars, the entirety of the universe.
We should desire to live within God's Law because just like the created world, the Law reflects the nature and character of God. He is pure, clean, true, righteous altogether, and desires that we live at peace with Him and with one another.
Jesus won that peace for us. Not our adherence to the Law, but living the way God has called us to live is a good endeavor. When we're kids, we do what our parents ask because we trust that they have a good plan for us. They want us to succeed and be well.
It is the same way with God. We know He is good. His Law reflects the quality of His character, so live in the way He calls you to live!
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