1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways.
4 For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].
9 [If] I take the wings of the morning, [and] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee].
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, [and] thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Overview of Psalm 139
Psalm 139 is a profound and intimate reflection on the nature of God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and the intricate relationship between the Creator and humanity. The psalmist, traditionally attributed to David, expresses a deep sense of awe and reverence for God’s knowledge and presence in every aspect of life.
Structure of Psalm 139
The chapter can be divided into four main sections, each emphasizing different attributes of God and the psalmist’s response to them:
- Verses 1-6: God’s Omniscience
- Verses 7-12: God’s Omnipresence
- Verses 13-18: God’s Creation of Humanity
- Verses 19-24: A Prayer for Purity
God’s Omniscience (Verses 1-6)
In the opening verses, the psalmist acknowledges God’s all-encompassing knowledge:
- Search and Know: God is portrayed as one who searches the heart and knows every thought, indicating a deep, personal relationship.
- Understanding: The psalmist reflects on how God understands his words even before they are spoken, emphasizing the depth of divine awareness.
- Inescapable Knowledge: The psalmist feels overwhelmed by the knowledge of God, recognizing it as too wonderful and lofty to comprehend.
God’s Omnipresence (Verses 7-12)
The next section explores the theme of God’s presence everywhere:
- Where Can I Go? The psalmist questions where he could flee from God’s Spirit, illustrating the inescapability of God’s presence.
- Heaven and Hell: Whether in heaven or in the depths, God’s presence is assured, showing His sovereignty over all realms.
- Light and Darkness: The imagery of light and darkness is used to convey that even in the darkest places, God’s presence is there, providing comfort and guidance.
God’s Creation of Humanity (Verses 13-18)
In this section, the psalmist reflects on the wonder of human creation:
- Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The psalmist acknowledges that he is intricately woven together by God, emphasizing the intentionality and care in creation.
- Knowledge of Formation: The psalmist recognizes that God saw him before he was born, highlighting the divine plan and purpose for each individual.
- Value of Life: The mention of God’s thoughts about humanity being precious underscores the inherent value of each life in God’s eyes.
A Prayer for Purity (Verses 19-24)
The final verses transition into a personal prayer, expressing a desire for purity and alignment with God:
- Desire for Justice: The psalmist expresses a longing for God to deal with the wicked, contrasting the righteousness of God with human sinfulness.
- Search My Heart: The psalmist invites God to search his heart, demonstrating a willingness to be examined and purified.
- Lead Me: The conclusion of the psalm reflects a desire for guidance along the path of everlasting life, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God’s will.
Theological Implications
Psalm 139 presents several key theological themes:
- God’s Nature: The attributes of omniscience and omnipresence reinforce the belief in a God who is intimately involved in creation.
- Human Dignity: The psalm emphasizes the value of human life and the care with which God creates each person.
- Call to Self-Examination: The psalm encourages believers to seek purity and alignment with God’s will, fostering a relationship built on trust and openness.
Conclusion
Psalm 139 serves as a powerful reminder of the closeness of God to humanity, encouraging believers to reflect on their own lives in light of God’s omniscience and omnipresence. It invites a deep sense of awe and reverence while also challenging individuals to pursue purity and alignment with divine purpose.
