Psalms 139 — Overview

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Canne, Browne, Blayney, Scott, and others · Public Domain

Psalms 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 composed by David when made king of Israel; though some think it was written by him when accused of traitorous designs against Saul.

It is a most sublime ode on the wisdom, knowledge, presence, and justice of God. The sentiments are grand, the style highly elevated, and the images various, beautiful, and impressive.

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Psalms 139 — OverviewPsalms 139 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSome 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…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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