Psalm 19 -- a literal version.
Tune Haddam or Millenium 66.66.88
1. The spacious heav'ns declare the glory of our God;
the firmament displays his handiwork abroad;
2. day unto day doth utter speech,
and night to night doth knowledge teach.
3. Aloud they do not speak; they utter forth no word,
Nor into language break; their voice is never heard;
4. Yet through the world their line extends,
their words to earth's remotest ends.
In heav'n he set a tent a dwelling for the sun,
5. which as a mighty man delights his course to run.
He, bridegroom-like in his array,
comes from his chamber, bringing day.
6. His daily going forth is from the end of heav'n:
the firmament to him is for his circuit giv'n;
and everywhere from end to end,
his radiant heat he doth extend.
7. Jehovah's perfect law restores the soul again;
his testimony sure gives wisdom unto men;
8. the precepts of the Lord are right,
and fill the heart with great delight.
The Lord's commands are pure, they light and joy restore;
9. Jehovah's fear is clean, enduring evermore;
his statutes, let the world confess,
are wholly truth and righteousness.
10. They are to be desired above the finest gold;
than honey from the comb more sweetness far they hold;
11. with warning they your servant guard,
in keeping them is great reward.
12. His errors who can know? Cleanse me from hidden stain;
13. keep me from willful sins, nor let them o'er me reign;
and then I upright shall appear
and be from great transgression clear.
14. When you dost search my life, may all my thoughts within
and all the words I speak your full approval win.
O Lord, you are a rock to me,
and my Redeemer you shall be.
