S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." This is one of the clearest biblical statements that nature itself is meant to show the greatne...

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April 14 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that the heavens declare the glory of God?

Psalm 19:1 ESV: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

David, the shepherd-king, was accustomed to spending time outdoors. Both day and night, he scanned the sky, and what he saw—the immense array of stars, the sun, and the moon—taught him to worship the Creator. The existence and structure of what we see in the heavens and sky continue to declare God's glory. God's glory is His perfections revealed. All the stars, the sun, the moon, and clouds are His "handiwork." Just as an artist's painting is his handiwork, even so the heavens and the sky are God's handiwork.

That's as true today as it was thousands of years ago: science continues to deepen our appreciation for God's design. The more we learn about how the universe is structured and how it works, the more fully we grasp the power of God. The message of this verse is also important for establishing "universal" evidence. Nature itself declares that there is a God and tells us much about Him—something all people have some ability to understand.

The natural world reveals that God is wise, powerful, and eternal. Paul wrote that God's "invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world" (Romans 1:20). He also wrote in verse 20 that God's revelation of Himself in nature leaves those who reject Him inexcusable.

Psalm 19:1–6 focuses on creation as a means by which God reveals Himself to humanity. The heavens and the sky testify about God both night and day. This revelation reaches everyone, just as the sun in its strength appears daily and reaches everywhere. This establishes, in part, the idea that all people have ample evidence telling them that God exists.

David refers to the details of creation as evidence for God's power and design. The appearance and function of nature are evidence of God's majesty. The second half of this psalm also celebrates God's revelation, but in the form of His Word. The law, precepts, and commandments of God are hailed for their perfection and benefit.

Conclusion

"The secret place of the Most High," mentioned by the psalmist, is thus a figurative place of spiritual protection. In it, those who lodge with God as his guests are safe from anything and anyone that threatens their faith and their love for God. (Ps. 15:1, 2; 121:5)

It is a secret place because unbelievers cannot discern it. 

Lesson for Us: Psalm 91

It is a place of spiritual security, of protection from spiritual harm, for those who fulfil the requirements set out in this psalm. It is "secret" in that it is unknown to people of the world, who lack spiritual vision.

May 23 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report