Psalms 19:4

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Their line {H6957} is gone out {H3318} through all the earth {H776}, and their words {H4405} to the end {H7097} of the world {H8398}. In them hath he set {H7760} a tabernacle {H168} for the sun {H8121},

their line goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In them he places a tent for the sun,

their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Psalm 19:4 continues the profound declaration introduced in the opening verses of this psalm, describing how the natural world eloquently proclaims the glory and handiwork of God. It emphasizes the universal reach and undeniable clarity of creation's testimony.

Context

This verse is part of the first section of Psalm 19 (verses 1-6), which focuses on God's revelation through nature, often called "general revelation." The psalm then shifts to God's revelation through His law, or "special revelation," from Psalm 19:7 onward. Verse 4 builds directly on the idea that the heavens declare God's glory, expanding on the reach of this silent, yet powerful, witness.

Key Themes

  • Universal Testimony of Creation: "Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." This imagery suggests that the message of creation is not confined to one region or people but extends globally. The "line" can imply a measuring line, marking out the vast extent of their message, or a sound/voice that echoes everywhere. The universe itself is a silent evangelist, perpetually broadcasting God's existence and power to all humanity. This echoes the concept in Romans 1:20, where God's invisible attributes are clearly seen through the things that are made.
  • Divine Order and Design: "In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun." Within this vast celestial display, God has appointed a specific, ordered place for the sun. The "tabernacle" ('ohel in Hebrew) implies a dwelling or a designated course, highlighting God's meticulous design and control over the cosmos. The sun, a central and powerful element of creation, operates within the boundaries and path set by its Creator, demonstrating divine wisdom and sovereignty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "line" is qaw (קַו). While it can mean a measuring line or cord, it is often understood here in the sense of a sound or voice, particularly given the parallelism with "their words." Modern translations often reflect this nuance, rendering it as "their voice" or "their sound." However, the KJV's "line" beautifully conveys the idea of an unbroken, far-reaching message, like a boundary stretching across the globe. The word "tabernacle" ('ohel) refers to a tent or dwelling, emphasizing the sun's appointed, orderly movement within the heavens, as if it has a designated path or home.

Practical Application

Psalm 19:4 encourages us to look up and truly see the world around us. The consistent, awe-inspiring display of the sun's daily journey and the vastness of the cosmos are not random occurrences but deliberate acts of a wise and powerful Creator. This verse reminds us that no one is without witness to God's existence, making humanity accountable. It invites us to pause, reflect on the incredible order and beauty of the universe, and respond with worship and reverence for the God who orchestrated it all. Just as the heavens silently declare, so too can our lives become a testimony to His greatness, guiding others to the true light of the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 10:18

    But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

  • Genesis 1:14

    ¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

  • Genesis 1:18

    And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Psalms 104:2

    Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:13

    But we will not boast of things without [our] measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:16

    To preach the gospel in the [regions] beyond you, [and] not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

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