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Psalm 19:9
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
7The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.
8The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
10They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
11Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.
Notice
“Clean” may be an unexpected word for fear, and its pairing with “enduring forever” gives reverence for YHWH a lasting worth.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What changes in your understanding of fearing YHWH when that fear is called “clean”?
Write on thisWhere is it hard to trust that YHWH’s ordinances are “righteous altogether”?
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
1 Samuel 12:24Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.Both passages honor the fear of the LORD, with Samuel joining that fear to wholehearted service in truth.
Psalm 119:142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.Both passages join truth with righteousness and speak of what endures in relation to the LORD.
Psalm 119:137–138You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.Both passages affirm that the LORD’s judgments are right; Psalm 119 also declares the LORD himself righteous.
Psalm 119:1ALEPH Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the LORD’s law.Both passages concern the LORD’s instruction, with one praising its righteousness and the other blessing those who follow it.
Psalm 111:10–112:6The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!Both passages honor the fear of the LORD; Psalm 111 connects that fear with wisdom and understanding.
Revelation 15:3They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and …Truth and righteousness describe the LORD’s ordinances in the psalm and God’s ways in the song of Moses and the Lamb.
2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Both passages connect the fear of God with purity, described as cleanness in the psalm and holiness in Corinthians.
Proverbs 19:23The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.Both passages commend the fear of the LORD: the psalm describes its cleanness and permanence, while Proverbs names life and contentment.
Revelation 19:2for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the …Both declare God’s judgments true and righteous; Revelation applies that declaration to his judgment against corruption and bloodshed.
Deuteronomy 4:8What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?Both passages affirm the righteousness of God’s ordinances, with Deuteronomy speaking of the law set before Israel.
Revelation 16:7I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.”The altar’s declaration shares the psalm’s affirmation that God’s judgments are true and righteous.
Genesis 42:18Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this, and live, for I fear God.The fear of God is praised in the psalm and named by Joseph as the reason for his directive.
Where this verse fits
Sermon or Bible study notes. doubt. praise and worship.
One step
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Encouragement
Trust in God’s ordinances has a firm ground here: they are true and righteous altogether. The reverence described in this verse is clean and enduring.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).