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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
1To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. O Lord, thou hast tried me and knowen me. 2Thou knowest my sitting and my rising: thou vnderstandest my thought afarre off. 3Thou compassest my pathes, and my lying downe, and art accustomed to all my wayes. 4For there is not a word in my tongue, but loe, thou knowest it wholy, O Lord. 5Thou holdest mee straite behinde and before, and layest thine hand vpon me. 6Thy knowledge is too wonderfull for mee: it is so high that I cannot attaine vnto it. 7Whither shall I goe from thy Spirite? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8If I ascende into heauen, thou art there: if I lye downe in hell, thou art there. 9Let mee take the winges of the morning, and dwell in the vttermost parts of the sea: 10Yet thither shall thine hand leade me, and thy right hand holde me. 11If I say, Yet the darkenes shall hide me, euen the night shalbe light about me. 12Yea, the darkenes hideth not from thee: but the night shineth as the day: the darkenes and light are both alike. 13For thou hast possessed my reines: thou hast couered me in my mothers wombe. 14I will praise thee, for I am fearefully and wonderously made: marueilous are thy workes, and my soule knoweth it well. 15My bones are not hid from thee, though I was made in a secret place, and facioned beneath in the earth. 16Thine eyes did see me, when I was without forme: for in thy booke were all things written, which in continuance were facioned, when there was none of them before. 17Howe deare therefore are thy thoughtes vnto me, O God! how great is ye summe of them! 18If I should count them, they are moe then the sand: when I wake, I am still with thee. 19Oh that thou wouldest slay, O God, the wicked and bloody men, to whom I say, Depart ye from mee: 20Which speake wickedly of thee, and being thine enemies are lifted vp in vaine. 21Doe not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and doe not I earnestly contend with those that rise vp against thee? 22I hate them with an vnfained hatred, as they were mine vtter enemies. 23Try mee, O God, and knowe mine heart: prooue me and know my thoughtes, 24And consider if there be any way of wickednes in me, and leade me in the way for euer.