Psalms 19:5

Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

Which is as a bridegroom {H2860} coming out {H3318} of his chamber {H2646}, and rejoiceth {H7797} as a strong man {H1368} to run {H7323} a race {H734}.

which comes out like a bridegroom from the bridal chamber, with delight like an athlete to run his race.

Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.

Commentary

Psalms 19:5 (KJV) beautifully continues the psalm's theme of God's revelation through creation, specifically focusing on the majestic and vigorous course of the sun. This verse personifies the sun, describing its daily appearance and journey with vivid, celebratory imagery.

Context

Psalms 19 is unique in that it presents two "books" of God's revelation: the book of nature (verses 1-6) and the book of Scripture (verses 7-11). Verses 1-4 establish that the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. The sun, as the most prominent celestial body, becomes the focal point in verses 4-6, acting as a powerful witness to its Creator. Verse 5 specifically describes the sun's daily rising and journey across the sky, portraying it not as a dull, mechanical movement, but as a joyful and powerful display orchestrated by God.

Key Themes

  • The Sun's Majestic Glory: The imagery of a "bridegroom coming out of his chamber" evokes splendor, radiance, and triumph. In ancient Israelite culture, a bridegroom emerging from his wedding chamber was a picture of great joy, beauty, and anticipation, dressed in his finest attire. This illustrates the sun's dazzling and glorious appearance at dawn, a magnificent spectacle that speaks of divine artistry.
  • Divine Energy and Purpose: The phrase "rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race" emphasizes the sun's immense power, unwavering determination, and consistent vigor. It suggests an unwearied strength that enables it to complete its vast, daily circuit across the sky with enthusiasm and precision. This highlights the inherent strength and purposeful design embedded within God's creation.
  • God's Unseen Attributes Revealed: Through the sun's consistent and powerful display, humanity can perceive aspects of God's eternal power and divine nature, as Romans 1:20 affirms. The sun's unfailing journey points to the reliability and might of the One who established its course.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "chamber" (ื—ึปืคึธึผื” - chuppah) refers to a canopy or bridal chamber, underscoring the festive and intimate nature of the bridegroom's appearance. The term for "strong man" (ื’ึดึผื‘ึผื•ึนืจ - gibbor) denotes a mighty one, a hero, or a warrior, emphasizing the sun's tremendous power and tireless energy as it accomplishes its divinely appointed task. This vivid language elevates the sun's daily routine to a grand, celebratory event.

Cross-References & Connections

This verse ties into broader biblical themes of creation declaring God's glory. Just as God set the great lights in the firmament in Genesis, He sustains their consistent operation. The unceasing, powerful journey of the sun is a testament to God's faithfulness and power, much like how Jeremiah 33:20 speaks of God's covenant with day and night.

Practical Application

Psalms 19:5 encourages us to observe the natural world with wonder and awe, recognizing it as a continuous revelation of God's character. The sun's joyful and strong commitment to its daily course can inspire believers to approach their own lives and God-given tasks with similar enthusiasm, strength, and faithfulness. It reminds us that even the most ordinary elements of creation operate with divine purpose and energy, reflecting the glory of their Creator. We are called to live lives that, like the sun, consistently bear witness to the splendor and power of God.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 62:5 (4 votes)

    For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

  • Philippians 3:13 (4 votes)

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

  • Philippians 3:14 (4 votes)

    I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24 (3 votes)

    ยถ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26 (3 votes)

    I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

  • Isaiah 61:10 (3 votes)

    ยถ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • John 3:29 (2 votes)

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.