1 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.
Psalm 139 stands as a remarkable piece in the biblical book of Psalms. It is a profound expression of God's omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, as well as a testament to the inherent dignity of human life. This psalm, authored by King David, unfolds God's intimate knowledge of man, His intricate involvement in our creation, and His unending presence in our lives. The psalm encompasses themes of divine knowledge, presence, creation, and justice, all of which are explored in this essay.
The psalm commences with the acknowledgment of God's omniscience: "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me" (v. 1). God knows our every thought, word, and deed. This divine knowledge surpasses mere factual awareness; God understands our thoughts from afar and is familiar with all our ways even before a word is on our tongue (v. 2-4). This intimate knowledge of God is simultaneously comforting and awe-inspiring. It underscores the truth that we are never alone; God is always with us, understanding our deepest fears, joys, and needs.
David then explores the concept of God's omnipresence, affirming that there is nowhere one can go to escape from God's spirit or presence (v. 7-12). Whether in the heavens or in the depths, in the east at the rising of the sun or in the west where it sets, God is there. Even darkness, which often symbolizes uncertainty and fear, is not dark to God, for "the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee" (v. 12). This omnipresence of God is a reassurance to the faithful that God's guidance and support are incessant, regardless of where life's journey may lead.
The next segment of the psalm (v. 13-16) highlights God's role in our creation and formation in the womb. David marvels at how wonderfully he has been made, acknowledging that God knit him together in his mother's womb, a process that was not hidden from God. Every day of our lives was written in God's book before one of them came to be. This passage underscores the sanctity of life and the divine purpose inherent in each person's existence. It also serves to remind us that our lives are not products of random chance but are intimately designed and known by our Creator.
In verses 17-18, David expresses amazement at the vastness of God's thoughts, proclaiming them as innumerable as the grains of sand. This analogy serves to emphasize the immeasurable wisdom and understanding of God. The psalm then takes a seemingly abrupt turn as David speaks about wickedness and evildoers (v. 19-22). However, this is not a departure from the theme but rather a demonstration of David's hatred for what God hates and his desire for God's justice to prevail.
The psalm concludes (v. 23-24) with an invitation for God to search and know David's heart, to test him and know his anxious thoughts. David asks God to see if there is any offensive way in him and to lead him in the way everlasting. This is a humble recognition of human fallibility and a plea for divine guidance and sanctification. It is an invitation for God to continue His work of creation and formation, not just in physical terms, but also in the spiritual and moral sense.
In summary, Psalm 139 is an awe-inspiring exploration of God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. It offers profound insights into God's intimate knowledge of us, His constant presence with us, His intricate involvement in our creation, and His righteous justice. It serves as a comforting reassurance of God's unending love and care, a reminder of our inherent worth and purpose, and a call to align ourselves with God's will and ways. This psalm thus appeals to us to live with a deep consciousness of God's all-seeing, all-knowing, all-present nature, and to invite Him to guide us on the path of righteousness.
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