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Psalm 139 | King James Audio Bible
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Psalm 139 meditates on the nature of God and God’s relationship with humanity. The psalm combines awe for God’s transcendent knowledge and presence with a deep sense of personal connection and care. This psalm resonates with themes of God’s unfathomable knowledge, unwavering presence, and the sacredness of human life, making it a significant piece for contemplation and spiritual reflection.
The psalm is structured in a way that highlights key themes of God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and intimate involvement in human life.
The opening verses (Psalm 139:1-6) establish God’s complete knowledge of the individual. This isn’t just a surface-level awareness, but a deeply personal and intimate understanding of our innermost thoughts and actions. It’s suggested that God’s knowledge isn’t critical or hostile but is rooted in a deep, personal connection with each individual
The next section (Psalm 139:7-12) contemplates omnipresence of God, pondering the possibility of escaping God’s presence. This part of the psalm emphasizes that no place is beyond God’s reach, whether it’s the heavens, the depths of the earth, or the farthest seas. This omnipresence of God is not just a physical reality but also a spiritual truth, as God is a spirit and His presence permeates all creation
Imagery of light and darkness is particularly powerful here, symbolizing God’s ability to illuminate and transform even the darkest situations
In verses 13-18, the focus shifts to the marvel of human creation. The psalmist reflects on being formed by God in the womb, acknowledging the intricate and awe-inspiring process of human development. This passage is often seen as a poetic and reverent expression of the wonder of life and the intimate involvement of God in its formation
The final verses (Psalm 139:19-24) express a desire for God’s justice against the wicked and a plea for personal examination and guidance. This part of the psalm reflects a deep yearning for righteousness and an acknowledgment of human fallibility, seeking God’s direction in leading a life aligned with God’s will
Psalm 139 | King James Audio Bible
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
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.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139 | King James Audio Bible
- God’s Omniscience: The psalm emphasizes God’s all-encompassing knowledge of the individual, including thoughts, actions, and words before they are spoken
- God’s Omnipresence: The psalm reflects on the impossibility of escaping from God’s presence, whether in heaven, on earth, or in the depths of the sea. This theme underscores the pervasive presence of God in all places and situations
- Divine Creation And Involvement In Human Life: The psalm marvels at the intricacy of human creation, particularly focusing on God’s role in forming an individual in the womb. This part is often interpreted as acknowledging the intimate and detailed involvement of God in the process of human life
- Human Response To God’s Nature: The psalmist expresses a desire for God to search and know his heart, indicating a trust in God’s judgment and a yearning for guidance and righteousness.
- Light And Darkness As Metaphors: Themes of light and darkness are used to illustrate God’s ability to illuminate and bring clarity, reinforcing the idea that nothing is hidden from God.
- Reflection On Human Worth And God’s Care: The psalmist reflects on his own value and significance in the eyes of God, celebrating the wonder of being created and known by God.
- Request For Divine Justice: The psalm contains a plea for God’s justice against the wicked, juxtaposing the righteousness of God with the iniquity of the world.
George Herbert’s poem explores humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery over the natural world, juxtaposing these achievements with the failure to recognize and embrace God’s immediate presence. The poem is structured around vivid images of human ingenuity, drawing on the astronomer, diver, and chemist (or ‘chymick’) as archetypes of humanity’s intellectual and physical endeavors. Yet, beneath these triumphs lies a critique: the neglect of the divine, who resides ‘at hand’ rather than in the distant realms humanity seeks to conquer [ … ]
We are invited to imagine a time when it seems that honesty and trustworthiness are fading away. Psalm 12 captures this sentiment, as the psalmist contemplates the challenges of finding genuine people and reliable words [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
