Search me Lord, and know me

A reflection on Psalm 139

Psalm 139 is one of my most favourite of all the psalms. It is credited to King David, and it is a song that is full of praise, insights, and wisdom that can only be realised from spending time in deep contemplation and prayer. In this psalm, David considers God's omniscience, (knowing everything) omnipresence, (being constantly present everywhere and anywhere), and His intimate knowledge of him and all humanity. The psalm is renowned for its beautiful poetic expressions, even after translation, (how much more beautiful would it be in the original Hebrew?), and also its deep theological insights. Let's take a look at it, verse by verse:

Verse 1: "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

David begins by declaring that God has a profound knowledge of him, “You know me” he says. He acknowledges that God has thoroughly examined and understood his very innermost being. This verse sets the tone for the psalm, which emphasises that God knows each of us intimately.

Verse 2: "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”

David realises the extent of God's knowledge about him, that it’s not limited to his actions but also his very thoughts. God is aware of every detail of David's life, from his daily activities to his innermost reflections, even from a distance. In this, we see that this knowledge is applicable to everyone.

Verse 3: "You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways”.

Here David realises that God's knowledge extends beyond the present moment. God is intimately acquainted with every aspect of David's life, including his past and future. This verse emphasises God's complete and comprehensive awareness of all that David does and experiences, which equally applies to each of us. God knows each of us completely!

Verse 4: "Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

David acknowledges that God knows his/our words even before he/we speak them. God's knowledge is not limited to what we say out loud but also those unspoken words, thoughts, and intentions that we think are hidden in our hearts.

Verse 5: "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

This verse speaks of God's protective presence. He surrounds us on all sides, both past and future, indicating that God's care and guidance are constant throughout our lives.

Verse 6: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”

David recognises that God’s knowledge is incomprehensible to us. Human understanding is limited, and the depth of God's knowledge surpasses our mental capacity. This verse highlights the awe and mind-blowing wonder inspired by contemplating God's omniscience.

Verse 7: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Here David reflects on God's omnipresence and realises that no matter where we might go or try to hide, God's Spirit is ever-present, filling every corner of His creation.

Verse 8: "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

Here David realises that if he were to ascend to the highest heights of heaven or descend to the depths of the afterlife (Sheol), God's presence remains with him everywhere. There is no place beyond the reach of God. We see this fully in the words of the Apostles Creed,

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Verse 9: "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,”

No matter where we go, if we could travel at the speed of the dawn light to the far side of the seas, God would still be with us.

Verse 10: "even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast"

Here David realises that no matter what happens in this life, God's guiding and supporting hand is with him, and therefore us. This verse highlights God's constant care and protection of us, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.

Verse 11: If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

Even in the darkest times or when we are surrounded by difficulties, David knows that God's light and presence will never abandon us.

Verse 12: “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

God's knowledge and presence are not hindered by darkness or hidden things. Even in the deepest darkest place of obscurity, God sees and understands everything just as clearly as in the light.

Verse 13: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Here David considers God's creative power. He acknowledges that God is the one who skilfully formed us in our mother's womb. In this, David emphasises God's involvement in the creation of every single individual human life.

Verse 14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

David praises God for the intricate design of the human body and soul. In this, he recognises the beauty, complexity, and detail of God's creation of humanity. In this realisation, David is in overawed by our Creator's wisdom and skill.

Verse 15: "My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

God's knowledge extends even to the hidden and developmental stages of life within the womb. David acknowledges that God watches over us and is intimately involved in our formation.

Verse 16: "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”

This verse speaks to God's foreknowledge. Even before David or any of us existed, God had a plan for our lives. Every one of our days is written in God's book, indicating His sovereignty over time and destiny.

Verse 17: "How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

David contemplates the preciousness of God's thoughts towards him and all of us. God's vast knowledge and care extend to everyone, and with this realisation comes joy and gratitude to David and all of our hearts.

Verse 18: "Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand when I awake, I am still with you."

David's thoughts about God seem countless to him, as he compares them with the grains of sand on the beach. David takes comfort in the fact that when he wakes, God's presence is a constant that remains with him and each of us.

Verse 19: "If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!”

David shifts his focus from God's omniscience to God’s justice. Just like all of us, Davids desire is for God to deal with the wicked and protect us from those who do evil.

Verse 20: "They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name."

David mourns the actions of those who speak against God and misuse his name. Like David all of us should stand against those who oppose God.

Verse 21: “Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?”

David declares his loyalty to God and his righteous indignation towards those who rebel against Him.

Verse 22: "I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.”

David's stance against God's enemies is firm, he has nothing but hatred for them considering them his adversaries.

Verse 23: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

In this moment of humble reflection, David asks God to examine his heart and thoughts. Despite acknowledging God's intimate knowledge of him, David still recognises that he and us need to reflect on the condition of our hearts as we seek purification.

Verse 24: "See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

David concludes the psalm by asking God to reveal any sinful or harmful path within him. He seeks God's guidance in walking the path of everlasting righteousness, which is something all of us should do likewise.

In Psalm 139, we see King David's deep reverence for God's omniscience, omnipresence, and creative power. In this, David finds peace in God's knowledge and care, as he acknowledges God’s divine plan for his, and for all of our lives.

Wishing you all a peaceful day, and as always God bless.

Trev.

PS: Psalms are best when they are sung!