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Psalm 19 — The Heavens Declare

Author: Scottish Psalter (1650)
Year: 1650
Style: metrical_psalm
Public Domain
★★★★★ Doctrinally Excellent
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Theological Analysis

A metrical versification of Psalm 19, one of the most theologically rich psalms. It teaches general revelation (the heavens declare God's glory) and special revelation (the perfection of God's law). C.S. Lewis called it "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world."

Theological Strengths

  • Direct versification of inspired Scripture — Psalm 19
  • Teaches both general and special revelation
  • Celebrates the perfection and sufficiency of God's Word
  • Ends with a prayer for personal holiness
  • Rich in doctrinal content about Scripture's nature

AI Theological Check

Full Lyrics

The heavens God's glory do declare,

The skies his hand-works preach;

Day utters speech to day, and night

To night doth knowledge teach.

There is no speech nor tongue to which

Their voice doth not extend:

Their line is gone through all the earth,

Their words to the world's end.

In them he set the sun a tent;

Who, bridegroom-like, forth goes

From's chamber, as a strong man doth

To run his race, rejoice.

The law of God is perfect, and

Converting doth the soul;

God's testimony is most sure,

And makes the simple whole.

The statutes of the Lord are right,

And do rejoice the heart;

The Lord's command is pure, and doth

Light to the eyes impart.

Unspotted is the fear of God,

And doth endure for ever;

The judgments of the Lord are true,

And righteous altogether.

They more than gold, than fine gold are,

More to be prized far;

Than honey from the honeycomb

Much sweeter also are.

Moreover, they thy servant warn

How he his life should frame;

A great reward provided is

For them that keep the same.

Who can his errors understand?

O cleanse thou me within

From secret faults. Thy servant keep

From all presumptuous sin.

Let all the words which from my mouth

And meditations flow,

Of my heart, be in thy sight, Lord,

My strength and Saviour now.

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