Psalm 139
This psalm of David was meant to be sung in the Temple. The first part of Psalm 139 describes the chief attributes of God and then prays for a pure heart and conduct. The psalm speaks about the presence of God’s Spirit and the comfort He gives in His Word.
Section one (verses 1 to 6) describe God’s knowledge of our life. God knows about our daily activities, our thoughts, the path of our life and our ways—whether good or evil. Every word that we speak is known to God. There is no way that we can avoid God’s surveillance. God has set bounds to our freedom to curb our sinfulness. This knowledge of God is an article of faith that must be revealed to us through His Word.
Section two (verses 7 to 12) continues the thought of God’s knowledge. Can sinful man hide from God’s Spirit and so escape His righteous vengeance? Not at all. Should we ascend into heaven, God sits on His majestic throne. Should we descend into hell, God is there also with His justice. If we could travel as fast as the “wings of the morning,” that is, the sunlight, and dwell in the remotest parts of the sea or the universe; God is present and His hand will lead us. Many sinners declare that darkness will cover their crimes so that God cannot see what they do. God can see through the darkness what all people do!
Section three (verses 13 to 16) describes just how much God pays attention to us. Before we were born, God fashioned our internal organs and knit together bones, muscles, and flesh in the womb. Every human should praise God because of the abilities and life God has given. God knows everything about our development and life even before we existed. This does not mean God determined that we do evil or that evil come upon us. These things are the result of sin.
Section four (verses 17 to 18) praises God for the wonderful thoughts He has to all people whom He has created.
Section five (verses 19-22) is a prayer asking God to destroy those who practice wickedness, those who speak evil, who take God’s name in vain, who rise in rebellion against God. David states that he hates them, because of their sin and their opposition to God and His law. Such people cannot be friends as long as they continue their opposition. David shows his concern for believers and their faith by asking God to hinder the wicked.
Section six (verses 23 to 24) demonstrates that David is not a “pietist” who claims to live a holy life while condemning the wicked. David asks God to search his life with the law to show him any wickedness so that he may repent of it and turn from it. For his heart is sinful and he has many anxieties as king. David asks God to lead him in the way of righteousness—trusting in the righteousness that the Messiah will earn for him. Faith in Jesus’ work of salvation on the cross is the way that leads to eternal life in heaven.
