Psalm 139: God Knows All People Intimately

Introduction: Psalm 139 is a  wonderfully illustrates God’s omniscience and omnipresence. It is a deeply personal reflection by the psalmist, David, on the intimate knowledge and presence of God in his life. This psalm speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection with the divine and the reassurance that God is always with us, no matter where we go or what we do. It is a reminder that we are never alone, and that God’s love and care for us are beyond our understanding. In this deep dive into Psalm 139, we will explore the theological themes of God’s knowledge, presence, and creation, as well as the implications for our lives as believers.

I. God’s Omniscience (Psalm 139:1-6)

Psalm 139:1-6 speaks to the all-knowing nature of God. The psalmist declares that God has searched him and knows him intimately, even to the point of understanding his thoughts and actions before they happen. This section highlights the idea that God’s knowledge is beyond our comprehension, and that He is aware of every aspect of our lives. Cross-references for this section include Job 42:2, which states that nothing is hidden from God, and Matthew 10:30, which assures us that even the hairs on our head are numbered by God. Additionally, Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight, and that we are laid bare before Him.

II. God’s Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-12)

In Psalm 139:7-12, the psalmist ponders the inescapable presence of God. He rhetorically asks where he could go to flee from God’s presence, concluding that there is nowhere he can go where God is not already there. This section emphasizes the idea that God is present everywhere and at all times. Cross-references for this section include Jeremiah 23:24, which states that God fills heaven and earth, and Acts 17:27-28, which teaches that God is not far from any of us and that in Him we live and move and have our being. Additionally, Colossians 1:17 reminds us that in Christ, all things hold together, and that His presence is all-encompassing.

III. God’s Creation (Psalm 139:13-18)

Psalm 139:13-18 focuses on the theme of God as creator, specifically in the formation of the psalmist in his mother’s womb. The psalmist praises God for his fearfully and wonderfully made body, acknowledging that he was intricately woven together by God. This section highlights the idea that God is intimately involved in the creation of each person, and that we are all known by Him from the moment of conception. Cross-references for this section include Jeremiah 1:5, which states that God knew us before we were formed in the womb, and Ephesians 2:10, which declares that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Additionally, Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are made in the image of God, and that our very existence is a reflection of His creative power.

Conclusion: Psalm 139 reminds us of God’s infinite knowledge, presence, and creative power. It speaks to the deep longing within each of us to be known and loved by our Creator, and assures us that we are never alone or forgotten by Him. As we reflect on the themes of this psalm, we are reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, that God is always with us, and that His knowledge of us is beyond our understanding. Let us take comfort in the truth that we are known and loved by the God who created us, and that His presence is always with us, no matter where we go or what we do.

You might be interested in exploring more about the themes touched upon in Psalm 139. Thinking of God’s omniscience and omnipresence, you might be interested in Omniscience and Omnipresence on Wikipedia. These articles delve deeper into the concepts of God’s all-knowing nature and His ubiquitous presence.