Psalms 139 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

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, ver. 1-6. II. It is confirmed by two arguments:--1. God is every where present; therefore he knows all, ver. 7-12. 2. He made us, therefore he knows us, ver. 13-16. III. Some inferences are drawn from this doctrine. 1. It may fill us with pleasing admiration of God, ver. 17, 18. 2. With a holy dread and detestation of sin and sinners, ver. 19-22. 3. With a holy satisfaction in our own integrity, concerning which we may appeal to God, ver. 23, 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.

The Omniscience of God.

To the chief musician. A psalm of David.

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Psalms 139 — OverviewPsalms 139 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 139:1, David praises God for his all-seeing providence; Psalms 139:17, and for his infinite mercies; Psalms 139:19, He defies the wicked; Psalms 139:23, He prays for sincerity. This Psalm is supposed to have been…Psalms 139 — OverviewPsalms 139 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. This psalm was written by David, when he lay under the reproach and calumnies of men, who laid false things to his charge; things he was not conscious of either in the time of…Psalms 139:1-6Psalms 139:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid here lays down this great doctrine, That the God with whom we have to do has a perfect knowledge of us, and that all the motions and actions both of our inward and of our outward man are naked and open…Psalms 139:1Psalms 139:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryO Lord, thou hast searched me; rather, hast searched me out; i.e. examined into all my thoughts and feelings (comp. Psalms 17:3). And known me; i.e. arrived at a full knowledge of my spiritual condition.Psalms 139:1Psalms 139:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Divine inspection. "Searched;" the figure is "winnowed" or "sifted." "Before men we stand as opaque bee-hives. They can see the thoughts go in and out of us, but what work they do inside of a man they cannot tell.…Psalms 139:1-6Psalms 139:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod's knowledge of us. 1. We sometimes say that "we know" a certain man who is a neighbor. By this we may mean nothing more than that we can distinguish him from his fellows, and give him his proper name. That is a…

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