The precepts of the Lord are right
The precepts of the Lord are right
Psalms 19:8 God is always holy, always true, and always right
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Psalms 19:8 NASB1995
Psalm 19 must have been written when King David was having an exceptionally good day, because it is so uplifting and full of praise for God! Titled “The Works and the Word of God”, the psalm begins with a lovely phrase:
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
Psalms 19:1 NASB1995
That’s so powerful that I think I’ll make a Psalm 19:1 sticker for my telescope, to keep me in mind of who created the vast universe I love to look at.
Photo of the Omega Nebula (M-17) by Steven Sande, August 14, 2023
David continues with other exclamations of the mighty works of the Lord, and then segues into a statement of how perfect and pure His law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and judgement are. Psalm 19 ends with a verse that I like to repeat when I’m starting intercessory prayer. A retired pastor and friend of ours used to begin each service with this verse, and I find it to be the perfect way to open up a conversation with God:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14 NASB1995
Looking at today’s primary verse, the Hebrew word פִּקּוּדֵי (piqqûḏîm) is translated as either statutes or precepts depending on the Bible translation used. In either case, David is stating that the commands in God’s Word are right or correct in every sense: morally, practically and universally. God is always holy, always true, and always right.
David points out that those who know the Word of God will rejoice in His precepts and in knowing that they are always right. There is no room for doubt, taking any confusion or worry out of the picture!
The second half of the verse is equally uplifting! We know that God is pure and holy, so His Word is pure as well. There’s no other way He can communicate to us; He will never lead us into sin or impurity through His Word. David describes this purity as enlightening the eyes, offering the delight and reassurance that seeing a light in the darkness brings.
God’s precepts, as revealed in His Word, should always make us confident and happy!
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I am in awe of Your creation and Your Word. I am full of joy when I read Your precepts, knowing that You love me and have only my best interests in mind when You set limits on me. I pray that You also provide me with the wisdom to always adhere to Your precepts so that one day I can rejoice as You tell me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” AMEN