Psalm 139
Psalm Chapter 139, Explained
Psalm 139 is a wondering meditation on how completely God knows us. He knows when we sit and rise, He understands our thoughts from far off, He is familiar with all our ways. There is nowhere we could go to escape His presence, not the heights, not the depths, not the darkness, for even the night shines like day to Him.
The most tender turn comes when David reflects that God formed him in the womb, that he is fearfully and wonderfully made, and that all his days were written in God's book before one of them came to be. The psalm ends by inviting that same all-seeing God to search his heart and lead him in the way everlasting.
Key verses from Psalm 139
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?”
Psalm 139:7
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Psalm 139:14
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:”
Psalm 139:23
The main point
Psalm 139 is about being fully known and fully valued by a God from whom you can never be hidden.
How Psalm 139 points to Jesus
The God who knit us together in the womb drew near in Jesus, who knows us completely and loves us still. In Him the searching gaze of God is not a threat but the tender knowledge of a Savior.
Want to sit with this chapter for yourself? Open The Living Bread to read Psalm 139 in full, ask any question about it, and pray with others, free.
Read Psalm 139 with its meaning · Psalm 139 meaning · All chapter guides