Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 139

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist opens every part of his life to God. He invites God to examine his thoughts, actions, and words. Even though life is difficult, he wants to grow in wisdom so that he does not share in the judgment of the wicked (Psalm 141:5; 142:3; 143:8, 10; 144:3–4).

The psalmist also knows that he cannot escape from the Lord. His stress fades as he remembers that God has cared for him with love, even before he was born (Psalm 139:13–18). He ends by asking God to keep examining him and to guide him on the path of wisdom (Psalm 139:23–24).

The Lord knows the psalmist well. God has examined him closely, in a thorough examination that can be painful at times (Job 7:17–19).

The phrase when I sit and when I rise refers to everyday activities (compare Deuteronomy 6:6–9).

The Lord's all-knowing and all-powerful nature provides comfort to the godly, but it troubles the wicked (Psalm 2:3).

The Lord’s wonderful understanding lies beyond the psalmist’s ability to comprehend (see Judges 13:18).

The psalmist shows wonder at God being everywhere at all times.

if I make my bed in Sheol: God has complete access to all he has created, even the most hidden or hard-to-reach places.

• rise on the wings of the dawn: This poetic expression describes traveling eastward, as far as the sunrise, if that were possible.

• the farthest sea: This expression takes the traveler in the opposite direction, far to the west.

• my inmost being: The delicate inner parts of the body include a person's very being.

• Even when hidden in his mother’s womb, the psalmist was guided by the Lord.

How precious to me are Your thoughts: God’s careful examination shows his loving care. Life with the Lord brings blessings that are beyond words.

The psalmist’s sense of awe leads him to consider the wicked and to reflect on himself. The Lord, as the examiner of all people, judges the wicked for their destructive acts and speech. So, the psalmist prays that he will not be among them.

Do I note hate those who hate You: Rejecting evil shows wisdom (see Psalms 1:1; 5:4–6).

As the psalmist prays about the wicked, he also reflects on himself. He does not assume that he is righteous. This prayer has been spoken again and again by God’s people over many generations.

The path of wisdom leads to eternal life (see Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 4:18; 6:23).