The Precepts of the Lord

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
-Psalm 19: 8a

My word study book tells me that the Hebrew word for "precepts" (piqudi) is one of the most difficult words relating to the commandments to translate. Its root meaning is to "supervise" or "oversee." Precepts, therefore, are guidelines or responsibilities given by an authority figure to a subordinate, and it can also mean the subsequent visitation and inspection of the subordinate by his superior. The inspection can be both benevolent or harsh, merciful or wrathful, depending on the subordinate's faithfulness to his responsibilities. One cannot help but think of a drill sergeant, and shudder.

But we are delivered from the drill sergeant image by the next word. God's precepts are said to be "straight" (yashar--also translated "upright" or "blameless"). The root meaning is to clear a pathway (or road) of obstacles so that travel is as easy as possible. While it is often used to mean the preparation of our hearts for God's visitation, the opposite is also true. Proverbs 3: 5-6 comes to mind:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean to your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths."

In this sense, God Himself prepares us for his visitation, which becomes a joy rather than an object of dread. The Overseer takes upon himself the task that we in our weakness cannot complete. One thinks of Augustine's prayer, "Grant what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt." St. John, in a New Testament context, reminds us that the love of God so transforms us that "his commandments are not burdensome," and that we "overcome the world" because Christ has removed the obstacles between us and the Father.

Because God visits to us, removing all obstacles as He comes, we no longer dread the visitation, but long for it. Therefore the Psalmist ends this line with "rejoicing the heart." We joy in His finished work, and rest, because we "were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls."