Overview of Psalm 19
This psalm contains three sections that show a wonderful and logical progression from the greater (Elohim) to the lesser (man),that is, from the macro level downward to the micro level. At first appearance, these three sections may seem unrelated, but upon second glance, each section actually flows logically into to the next revealing some deep mysterious truths about YHVH Elohim’s plan of redemption for humans.
Section one (vv. 1–6) describes the creation of Elohim, which points to the glory of YHVH Elohim, the Creator. It concludes by describing the sun, which is the physical light of the world, and which is like a bridegroom in his full glory emerging from his private chambers about to marry his bride. Moreover, the physical universe is governed by physical laws, which keep it functioning in an orderly manner.
Section two (vv. 7–11) describes the glorious attributes of the Torah-law of Elohim, which reveals the character of the Creator, and it shows man what his response should be to the Almighty upon viewing the glories of his creation. Man is to worship the Creator, not the creation. When followed, the Torah helps to keep man’s life structured in a way that brings order, blessing and causes his life to function smoothly, even as the universe is structured and ordered by Elohim and functions smoothly because of his physical laws.
A Torah lifestyle is also how the saint of Elohim is a spiritual light to the world (Deut 4:6).
Moreover, as the sun’s light pierces the physical darkness of the world, the light of the Torah brings the spiritual light of Elohim into the world along with bringing many benefits to the obedient person including a blessed life.
Section three (vv. 12–14) explains what happens when the light of Elohim’s Torah shines into the darkness of a one’s life as it exposes the hidden dark areas of sin. It also shows man how to walk blamelessly before and in a right relationship with Elohim, his Creator.
This psalm then ends by stating that YHVH is man’s strength and redeemer. This is another way of saying that man is morally and spiritually weak and needs redemption from the consequences and the power of sin.
Thankfully, YHVH has the answer to this problem: he is man’s strength and Redeemer. Yeshua the Messiah is man’s Redeemer and as the sun is the physical light of the world, Messiah is the spiritual light of the world (John 1:6–9; 8:12). Elsewhere, Scripture even calls Yeshua the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2), and, in his glorified state, his face shines like the sun in its full strength (Rev 1:16).
And ultimately, when a person follows the Torah through a relationship with Yeshua the Redeemer, one will eventually be raised to glory and shine like the stars in heaven (Dan 12:3; Matt 12:43), for they will be like Yeshua (1 John 3:2). HalleluYah!
Psalm 19:7–9, The Torah of YHVH. Listed here are the seven attributes of the Torah and the corresponding blessings for Torah-obedience. They are:
- The Torah is perfect or complete (nothing is lacking) resulting in converting the soul of man from spiritual darkness to spiritual light. This is because YHVH’s Torah instruct, rewires or “programs” man’s personal spirit to line up with the mind, will and emotions of Elohim. When this occurs, one’s personal spirit then takes charge of and reprograms one’s soul (or mind, will and emotions) to line up with that of the Creator. This is how the spiritual conversion process works.
- The Torah is sure (i.e., to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; to render or be firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain) imparting wisdom to simple people. When a person follows the Torah, he is building his house on the spiritual rock of YHVH’s Truth. He also has a road spiritual road map, blueprint or compass to follow for the rest of his life. This makes him wise because the wisdom from above is now his to follow making him wise.
- YHVH’s Torah is right (or straight, not crooked) bringing joy to a person. When a person has a spiritual road map to follow, he is no longer walking in spiritual darkness wandering all over the place. He can follow the straight path that leads to YHVH Elohim and eternal life. Thus, one has a sure future and hope. Such a person has stepped into the river of life and blessing begin flowing his way. This bring joy in place of confusion, hopelessness and uncertainty.
- Elohim’s Torah is pure (or beloved, choice, clean and clear) light bringing one spiritual enlightenment. YHVH’s Torah gives us insight into the mind, will and character of the Creator. When we line ourselves up with him, he will impart the spiritual light of his divine Truth to us. In his light we see light and he is the One who lights man’s inner spiritual lamp (Pss 13:2–3; 36:9; Prov 20:27).
- The Torah that engenders the fear of YHVH (which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge [Ps 111:10; Prov 1:6; 9:10]) is clean or pure and last forever (it has never been done away with!). Torah produces both kinds of healthy fear in man: the fear to disobey our Elohim (and thus suffer the consequences of sin), and reverential awe that we serve such a holy (pure), transcendent and all wise Being, and that he actually cares about us.
- The Torah is true (i.e., or divine Truth and is thus stability, certainty and trustworthiness). This cannot be said about the philosophies, idealogies, religions or dogmas of men which are a concocted mixture of truth and error, good and evil.
- YHVH’s Torah-judgments are righteous (i.e., right or just) meaning that YHVH is a Just Judge rendering to men the correct and just punishment for disobedience and rewards or blessings for obedience to his commandments. Those who follow YHVH’s Torah will become righteous, will be clothed in righteousness and will receive the ultimate blessing of being a suitable bride for Yeshua the Messiah (Rev 19:7–9). They will also have the legal right to partake of the tree of life (Rev 22:14).
These are the seven attributes of YHVH Elohim’s Torah-law. Why is it important to know these? Because they give us an insight into the fundamental character of Elohim. That is to say, the Torah is an extension of the very character, heart, mind, will and personality of our Creator. This is why it is patently absurd and borderline, if not totally, blasphemous to declare that the Torah-law that YHVH revealed to his people through the patriarchs and eventually in a codified form to Israel through Moses has been done away with! The perfect and immutable character of Elohim cannot be changed, annulled, improved on or abridged in any way. Make no mistake, for anyone to think that this is possible is simply a manifestation of one’s sinful arrogance, impudence, rebellion, defiance and puerile impudence against the Almighty. Elohim will never tolerate any effort of man to impugn his character. Those who do so will be judged accordingly—especially those who teach YHVH’s people these false traditions of man by which the Word of Elohim has been made of none effect.
Psalm 19:13, Great [much] transgression. There are levels of sin. True, every sin (i.e., no matter how large or small) ultimately results in death (Rom 3:23), for the wages of sin is death, and all who sin will die (Ezek 18:3), but the Torah reveals different levels of punishment for various sins. The punishment fits the crime; this is righteous judgment. What the psalmist seems to be asking of YHVH here is to help him not to commit a great sin that brings great judgment, pain and suffering during this physical existence.
