Bible Commentaries
Psalms 139

Verses 1-24

Psalms 135:0

Praises God for choosing Jacob (Psalms 135:1-4 ), extols His power in the natural world (Psalms 135:5-7 ), and in the deliverance of His people from Egypt (Psalms 135:8-9 ) and bringing them into the promised land (Psalms 135:10-12 ). All this is in contrast to the vanity of idols (Psalms 135:13-18 ).

Psalms 136:0

Is of the same character as the preceding, but is notable for the chorus attached to each verse a chorus with which we have become familiar in other psalms (Psalms 106:1 ; Psalms 118:1-4 ), and which may have been used by the people somewhat like the “Amen.”

Psalms 139:0

Is perhaps the most sublime declaration of the omnipresence of God found in the Holy Scriptures. In the light of that attribute the psalmist is willing to submit himself to the closest scrutinizing (Psalms 139:23 ), and for the reason indicated at the close. Who will follow in his train?

We have now reached another group of David’s psalms (Psalms 138-140) whose structure and style are like some of the earlier ones complaint, prayer, hope, praise.

Psalms 141:0

Is unique in the historical note attached to it. The “cave” spoken of may have been Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1 ), or Engedi (1 Samuel 24:3 ), but it is not necessary to believe that the psalm was composed while David was in the cave. It may have been written later when his experience in the cave furnished a good illustration of his present need and an argument for his relief.

Psalms 147-150

Are thought to especially celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and correspond to the conditions in Nehemiah 6:16 ; Nehemiah 12:27 and other places, although their millennial application is not far to seek.

The last psalm is a fitting close to the book, “reciting the place, theme, mode and extent of Jehovah’s exalted praise.”

QUESTIONS

1. What is a familiar chorus to the psalms?

2. What is the period and design of Psalms 137:0 ?

3. What divine attribute is the theme of Psalms 139:0 ?

4. What group of psalms is contained in this lesson?

5. What gives a historic touch to Psalms 142:0 ?

6. Of what period are the last four psalms commonly interpreted?