Attributed commentary excerpt
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 19:8
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Notes on the Whole Bible
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
The statutes of the Lord - The word here rendered statutes properly means mandates, precepts - rules given to anyone to guide him, Psalms 103:18; Psalms 111:7. It refers to the laws of God considered as appointed, or as the result of divine authority. The verb from which this word is derived (Hiphil) means to set over, to give the oversight, to appoint. Hence, the idea of laws, or statutes, as the result of such an appointment, or such an authority. Are right - Are equal, just, proper. They are such as are founded in wisdom and equity; not such as are the mere result of arbitrary appointment. The idea is that they are not merely appointed, or made binding by authority, but that they are in themselves equitable and just. Rejoicing the heart - Making the heart glad by the fact that they are equitable and just - and glad as the result of obedience. It is always a source of true happiness when we can feel that we are under just and equal laws; laws in themselves right, and laws administered in righteousness and truth. The commandment of the Lord - An appellation of the law of God from the idea of setting up, appointing, constituting; hence, of charging, or commanding. The idea here is not so much that the thing is right in itself as that it is appointed or ordered by God; that it is what he requires. The term is one that is often applied to the laws of God, Deuteronomy 6:1; Deuteronomy 7:11; Leviticus 4:13; Genesis 26:5; Exodus 15:26; Exodus 16:28; Psalms 78:7; Psalms 89:31; Psalms 119:6, Psalms 119:10, Psalms 119:19, Psalms 119:21, Psalms 119:32, Psalms 119:35, Psalms 119:47-48, Psalms 119:60, Psalms 119:66, Psalms 119:73, Psalms 119:86, Psalms 119:96, Psalms 119:98, Psalms 119:115, Psalms 119:127, Psalms 119:131, Psalms 119:143 , Psalms 119:151, Psalms 119:166, Psalms 119:172, Psalms 119:176. Is pure - Free from all stain; from all imperfection; from any corrupt tendency. Enlightening the eyes. That is, giving us light and knowledge. The eyes are mentioned, as it is by them that we see where to go. The reference here is undoubtedly to the mind or soul as being enlightened by the truth of God. We are made by these commandments to see what is right and proper; to understand what we should do. return to 'Top of Page'
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