Bible Commentaries
Psalms 139

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. Hebrew. mizmor. App-65 .

of David = by David. The words alleged to be Chaldaisms in verses: Psalms 139:3 , Psalms 139:4 , Psalms 139:8 , Psa 3:20 , are found in the earlier books such as Leviticus 1:0 and 2 Samuel. There is no internal evidence of non-Davidic authorship.

LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

searched = search out as for treasures or secrets.

known = seen, so as to understand.

Verse 2

downsitting . . . uprising. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , put for all movements.

thoughts inward thought. Occurs only here and in Psalms 139:17 .

Verse 3

compassest = scrutinisest.

lying down = bed.

art acquainted with = well knowest, or hast inspected.

Verse 4

altogether = on every side, or, the whole of it.

Verse 5

behind and before. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , put for every direction.

Verse 7

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

presence. Hebrew = face. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 8

hell = Sheol. See App-35 .

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 9

wings of the morning. See note on sub-scription of Psalms 21:0 .

Verse 10

right hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 12

hideth not from = cannot be too dark for.

Verse 13

covered = woven me together. Compare Job 10:8 , Job 10:11 .

Verse 14

fearfully and wonderfully. Hebrew = fears and wonders. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the feelings produced by the works.

my soul = myself. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 15

substance = frame. Hebrew = bone, as in Genesis 2:21 , Genesis 2:22 .

curiously = skillfully. Hebrew = embroidered. Compare Exodus 26:1 ; Exodus 35:35 .

Verse 16

substance . . . unperfect = unfinished substance. Not the same word as in Psalms 139:15 . One word in Hebrew.

unperfect. Not imperfect.

Which in continuance = the days which were ordered, or in which they should be fashioned.

Verse 17

How precious. Figure of speech Ecphonesis. App-6 . See note on 1 Samuel 3:1 .

thoughts = desires. See Psalms 139:2 .

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 .

sum. Hebrew, plural of majesty, denoting the fullness or vastness of them.

Verse 18

more in number . . . sand. Figure of speech Paroemia . App-6 .

Verse 19

Surely, &c. These six verses (19-24) are not an "interpolation". They are required to complete the Structure. See above.

Thou wilt slay, &c. This is Omnipotent work. Compare Job 40:9-14 .

the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha', App-44 .

GOD. Hebrew Eloah. App-4 .

bloody = blood thirsty.

men. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Verse 20

wickedly = rebelliously (pre-meditated).

Verse 21

am not I grieved with = do I not loathe.

Verse 23

thoughts = distractions or cares. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 139:2 , Psalms 139:17 .

Verse 24

wicked = painful or grievous.

way. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the grief produced by it.

way everlasting. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , for the happiness which is the effect and end of everlasting life.