As we look over this section, we’re going to look at verses 1-6 to gain some context. This passage focuses on creation as a means by which God reveals Himself to mankind. We see right here in verse 1 that the heavens and the sky are the testimony to about God in both night and day. The revelation of God reaches everyone, just as the sun in its strength appears daily and reaches everywhere. This is one of the verses that establishes, in part, the idea that all people have ample evidence telling them that God exists.
Now as we dive into verse 1, it’s important to know that King David, who wrote this Psalm, was first a shepherd (if you don’t know his story, you’re in for some pretty incredible stuff). But as a shepherd, he was used to spending ample amounts of time outdoors. Both day and night he would scan the sky in awe.
A lot of the earth today is absolutely covered with what is known as “light-pollution.” This is where lights from cities and civilization in general are bright enough that it blocks out the stars at night. It’s basically the presence of artificial light in the night environment. If you’re unaware, check out this map just to get an idea of what it is: https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/
Now imagine a time where there is relatively no light pollution. Have you ever driven out into the country, or been on a boat away from land? The amount of stars you can see is unbelievable, and it’s beauty is almost beyond words. David saw the sky this way, and he knew that what we see in the heavens and sky keep on declaring God’s glory. All of the stars, moon, and clouds are His “handiwork” (as the ESV puts it).
And this is true today just as it was thousands of years ago. The more we learn about how the universe is structured and how it works, the more fully we grasp the immense power and glory of God.
The natural world around us reveals much about who God is. Paul wrote that God’s “invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world” (Romans 1:20).
This verse in Psalm 19 is also as much of a statement of theology as it is a form of worship. In Deuteronomy 4:19 God said, “And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them.” David is illustrating that nature itself shouts of God’s existence and glory – those stars and planets aren’t deities, or spirits – they are the creations of God.
