October 19, 2022 – Wednesday
Psalm 19:10 NIV
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
Comment
First, from the Believer’s Bible Commentary, [T]here is a beautiful touch in the expression “sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” The purest honey is that which drips from the comb rather than being pressed out. My father kept bees for maybe 5 years on the 4 acres I grew up on with my siblings and I never knew that. Ellicott’s Commentary adds, The honey that drops from the comb is the finest and purest. An explanation of this thought was found in Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, The allusion is to honey that drops from the combs, and therefore the most pure honey. That which is pressed from the combs will have almost inevitably a mixture of bee-bread and of the combs themselves. That which naturally flows from the comb will be pure. Video of this found here.
Back to the verse, what is the They that begins the verse? The preceding three verses provide the answer, 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right,giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
God’s word in all its varieties, the law of the Lord, the statutes of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, and the decrees of the Lord, 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. David is telling us per the Pulpit Commentary, God’s Law is a far greater good to man, and therefore far more to be desired, than any amount of riches; much more must it be preferable to honey and the honeycomb.
This thought from Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible sums it all up nicely, what honey is to the natural taste of men, that is the Gospel, and the truths of it, to the spiritual taste of believers, and when the presence of Christ is enjoyed, his love is shed abroad, and the blessings of his grace are partook of, the ordinances of the Gospel are very delightful. And clearly the truth of the gospel of Jesus is more valuable than gold, even refined gold.
Personal reveal: when I make skillet cornbread, I never use sugar, but instead honey.
Bottom Line: Know what is truly valuable in your life for your soul and what you find that is truly sweet to your soul.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for permitting us to find so much of real value in Your word. And of such value that it is sweet to our soul. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek