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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.
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