Now the conclusion follows from all which was said in Psalm 19:7–9 about the law of the Lord. The law is more precious than the finest gold and tastes better than the purest honey. Truly, there is nothing that can match God’s law. The image of honey was very powerful for someone from the Middle East. People love all that is sweet—especially the pure honey, dripping from the honeycomb, melted on their tongues. To those who were tired, it gave renewed strength for the battle, as Jonathan attests to in 1 Samuel 14:27. But God’s law promises even more! It is beyond the fairest song (Psalm 119:54). It offers a magnificent view (Psalm 119:96) for those who delight in doing God’s will.
Why is the law and the world of the law so great and even sweeter than honey? Because, when you say law,
you say law of love.
That is clear throughout the whole Bible, though in specific circumstances it is especially highlighted. For example, think of Romans 13:10 where we read that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Here the person of Jesus also comes into view. He is God’s love in person. Didn’t he say to his disciples: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (John 15:9–10, see also 1 John 4:10). Especially when you want to be so united with Christ, you will be enthusiastic about the law.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.