Psalms 139
Psalms 139 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 139 summary
Some of the Jewish doctors are of opinion that this is the most excellent of all the psalms of David; and a very pious devout meditation it is upon the doctrine of God's omniscience, which we should therefore have our hearts fixed upon and filled with in singing this psalm. I. This doctrine is here asserted, and fully laid down (Psa 139:1-6). II.
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Some of the Jewish doctors are of opinion that this is the most excellent of all the psalms of David; and a very pious devout meditation it is upon the doctrine of God's omniscience, which we should therefore have our hearts fixed upon and filled with in singing this psalm. I. This doctrine is here asserted, and fully laid down (Psa 139:1-6). II. It is confirmed by two arguments: - 1. God is every where present; therefore he knows all (Psa 139:7-12). 2. He made us, therefore he knows us (Psa 139:13-16). III. Some inferences are drawn from this doctrine. 1. It may fill us with pleasing admiration of God (Psa 139:17, Psa 139:18). 2. With a holy dread and detestation of sin and sinners (Psa 139:19-22). 3. With a holy satisfaction in our own integrity, concerning which we may appeal to God (Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24). This great and self-evident truth, That God knows our hearts, and the hearts of all the children of men, if we did but mix faith with it and seriously consider it and apply it, would have a great influence upon our holiness and upon our comfort. To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 139
Psalms 139 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and known [me]. 2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; Thou understandest my thought afar off. 3Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. 4For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether. 5Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thy hand upon me. 6[Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there. 9If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. 11If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night; 12Even the darkness hideth not from thee, But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike [to thee]. 13For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb. 14I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. 15My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, [And] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, [Even] the days that were ordained [for me], When as yet there was none of them. 17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee. 19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men. 20For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take [thy name] in vain. 21Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22I hate them with perfect hatred: They are become mine enemies. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.