Friday, November 29, 2013
The Sun Singer
Today I was reading Psalms 19, which I have not read in a while. As I read through it I discovered that this Psalm is the source of several songs. I found myself at YouTube listening to some of the older versions of the song with the chorus, “More to Be Desired than Gold”, and some of the newer songs. As I reread the Psalm, I saw something new that I had not seen before.
In verses 1-6, the psalmist is telling us how the heavens are set to sing to the rest of creation.
Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
In verse one we are told that we will both hear and see God’s glory and handiwork. Verse two says this goes on day and night. Verse three tells us there is no place where it is not heard, that every language everywhere hears what is being said.
Psalms 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Verse four tells that their line (their ability to bind, connect, and measure) has gone through all the earth along with their words. At this point I began to wonder who was singing and what were they singing, because their line and words made a place for the sun to dwell (the tabernacle for the sun).
Psalms 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
In verses five and six we see that at least one of the singers is the sun as it moves across the sky. The sun is referred to as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber. A bridegroom coming to the wedding has great intent! And the description of the comparison to the one that shouts and carries on at a sporting event, the runner at the race, makes clear that their is not only great resolve but that the sun is shouting across the sky the praises of our God. What are those praises?
Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes 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 for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Today, let’s join with the heavens and the firmament, singing the praises of our God!
Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High God. To You we give all honor and glory and praise. You alone are worthy, and You alone are the One that delivers Your people. Deliver Your people today, Great and Mighty King! In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.