“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” -Psalm 19:7–11
In the same way the sun was the prominent feature of God’s book of nature (i.e., general or natural revelation, vv. 1–6), so God’ Law is the dominant element in his book of scripture (i.e., specific revelation).
John Calvin notes, “While the heavens bear witness concerning God, their testimony does not lead men so far as that thereby they learn truly to fear him, and acquire a well-grounded knowledge of him; it serves only to render them inexcusable.” The first book tells man there is a God to whom we are accountable. It activates the moral law written on the hearts of all me. It is the second book that shows man God’s character and attributes and man’s own sinfulness in light of God’s character and attributes.
As Derek Kidner observes, “Together, these terms (general revelation i.e. nature, and special revelation i.e. God’s Law) show the practical purpose of revelation, to bring God’s will to bear on the hearer and evoke intelligent reverence, well-founded trust, detailed obedience.
God’s law is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, desirable, sweet, and admonishing. There is nothing bad or deficient about God’s Law (Romans 7:12).