Psalm 139 Study Notes

139:12 Light and darkness are artificial distinctions for the Lord; he transcends creation.

139:13 Humankind is the Lord’s possession and his creation (Gn 14:19,22; Dt 32:6). Inward parts (lit “kidneys”) often denote the seat of emotion or affection (16:7; 73:21; Jb 19:27).

139:14 The expression wondrously made is a forceful rendering of the text. God’s creation testifies to his power and majesty (Rm 1:20).

139:15 The phrase depths of the earth is normally associated with death (63:9; Ezk 26:20), but here it is figurative for the concealment of the womb.

139:16 The concept of the Lord’s book that records the existence of all humans reinforces God’s sovereignty over life and death (69:28; Ex 32:32-33). The Hebrew is ambiguous about what was written in God’s books: all my days or something else about my formless substance.

139:17 How vast their sum denotes the superiority of God’s knowledge in quality and quantity.

139:18 The sum of everything God knows is immeasurable (Is 55:8). When I wake up could refer to having pondered God’s knowledge all night, or to the resurrection.

139:19-22 On hate for enemies, see notes at 15:4; 109:1-31. The psalmist wished to escape the influence of wicked liars. His zeal for God and righteousness gave him a single-minded determination. Such zeal is commendable (Jn 2:17; 2Co 7:11), but in calmer times it is directed toward love and mercy (Gl 1:14-16; Php 3:6-7).

139:23-24 Concluding with an appeal for God to search me (cp. v. 1), the psalmist submitted his thoughts and motives (concerns) to the Lord’s scrutiny. He asked God to reveal any offensive way (lit “way of hardship”) in him. The Scriptures speak of two opposite ways: that of the upright and that of the wicked (Ps 1; Pr 12:28; Mt 7:13-14).