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how does the psalmist's view of creation's witness compare with paul's, and what are the similarities?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 19:1-4 & Romans 1:19-20

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. 2 Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun. Romans 1:19 Because that which is known of God is plainly seen among them, for God made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Psalm 19, written by David, celebrates God's revelation first through creation and then through his law. Paul, writing to the church in Rome, explains that God's existence and attributes are evident through the natural world, leaving no one without an understanding of his power.

What does acknowledging creation's witness ask of our attentiveness to the world around us?

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Read alongside it

  • Acts 14:15-17

    Paul tells gentiles that God has 'not left himself without witness' by giving rain and fruitful seasons.

  • Job 12:7-10

    Job suggests that even animals and the earth can teach about God's power.

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