PSALM 19

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

The creatures shew God's glory

Psalm19.1-6

19 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork. [Rom1.20,21]

^{2 Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.
^{3 There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard;
^{4 yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world.

Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun, [Rom10.18]
^{5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; and it rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
^{6 Its going forth is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the ends of it; and nothing [yes, no one] is hidden from the heat of it.}}}}}

Excellency of God's law

Psalm19.7-11

^{7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; 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 and bright, enlightening the eyes.
^{9 The [reverent] fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
^{10 More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
^{11 Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.}}}}}

David prays for grace

Psalm19.12-14

^{12 Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults.
^{13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression.

^{14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.}}}

PSALM 20

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

The church blesses the king in his exploits

Psalm20.1-5

20 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you];

^{2 Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion;
^{3 Remember all your offerings and accept you burnt sacrifice.}}

Selah [pause, and think of that]!

^{4 May He grant you according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
^{5 We will [shout in]triumph at your salvation and victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.}}

She expresses a confidence in God's favour

Psalm20.6-9

^{6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
^{7 Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the LORD our God.
^{8 They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.

^{9 O LORD, give victory; let the King answer us when we call.}}}}

PSALM 21

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

A thanksgiving for victory

Psalm21.1-6

21 The king [David] shall joy in Your strength, O LORD; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

^{2 You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.}

Selah [pause, and think of that]!

^{3 For You send blessings of good things to meet him; You set a crown of pure gold on his head.
^{4 He asked life of You, and You gave it to him ─ long life forever and evermore.
^{5 His glory is great because of Your aid; splendor and majesty You bestow upon him.
^{6 For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; You make him exceedingly glad with the joy of Your presence. [Gen12.2]}}}}

Confidence in God

Psalm21.7-13

^{7 For the king trusts, relies on, and is confident in the LORD, and through the mercy and steadfast love of the Most High he will never be moved.
^{8 Your hand shall find all Your enemies; Your right hand shall find all those who hate You.
^{9 You will make them as if in a blazing oven in the time of Your anger; the LORD will swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire will utterly consume them.
^{10 Their offspring You will destroy form the earth, and their sons from among the children of men.
^{11 For they planned evil against You; they conceived a mischievous plot which they are not able to perform.
^{12 For You will make them turn their backs; You will aim Your bow [of divine justice] at their faces.

^{13 Be exalted, LORD, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.}}}}}}}