John Calvin Commentary Psalms 19:1

"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork." — Psalms 19:1 (ASV)

The heavens declare the glory of God. I have already said that this psalm consists of two parts: in the first, David celebrates the glory of God as manifested in His works; and in the other, he exalts and magnifies the knowledge of God, which shines forth more clearly in His word.

He only mentions the heavens; but, under this part of creation, which is the noblest and whose excellence is more conspicuous, he undoubtedly includes by synecdoche the whole fabric of the world. There is certainly nothing so obscure or contemptible, even in the smallest corners of the earth, where some marks of the power and wisdom of God may not be seen. However, as a more distinct image of Him is engraved on the heavens, David has particularly selected them for contemplation, so that their splendor might lead us to contemplate all parts of the world.

When a person, from beholding and contemplating the heavens, has been brought to acknowledge God, they will also learn to reflect upon and admire His wisdom and power as displayed on the face of the earth, not only in general but even in the minutest plants. In the first verse, the Psalmist repeats one thing twice, according to his usual manner.

He introduces the heavens as witnesses and preachers of the glory of God, attributing to mute creation a quality that, strictly speaking, does not belong to it, in order to more severely upbraid people for their ingratitude if they should pass over so clear a testimony with unheeding ears.

This manner of speaking more powerfully moves and affects us than if he had said, "The heavens show or manifest the glory of God." It is indeed a great thing that in the splendor of the heavens a lively image of God is presented to our view.

However, since the living voice has a greater effect in exciting our attention, or at least teaches us more surely and with greater profit than simple observation to which no oral instruction is added, we ought to note the force of the figure the Psalmist uses when he says that the heavens by their preaching declare the glory of God.

The repetition he makes in the second clause is merely an explanation of the first. David shows how the heavens proclaim to us the glory of God: namely, by openly bearing testimony that they were not put together by chance but were wonderfully created by the supreme Architect.

When we behold the heavens, we cannot help but be elevated by their contemplation to Him who is their great Creator. The beautiful arrangement and wonderful variety that distinguish the courses and positions of the heavenly bodies, along with the beauty and splendor manifest in them, also cannot help but furnish us with evident proof of His providence.

Scripture, indeed, makes known to us the time and manner of creation. However, the heavens themselves, even if God were to say nothing on the subject, proclaim loudly and distinctly enough that they have been fashioned by His hands. This in itself is abundantly sufficient to bear testimony to people of His glory.

As soon as we acknowledge God to be the supreme Architect who has erected the beautiful fabric of the universe, our minds must necessarily be overwhelmed with wonder at His infinite goodness, wisdom, and power.