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Psalm 139[a]

The All-knowing and Ever-present God

For the leader. A psalm of David.

I

Lord, you have probed me, you know me:
    you know when I sit and stand;[b](A)
    you understand my thoughts from afar.
You sift through my travels and my rest;
    with all my ways you are familiar.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 139 A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24).
  2. 139:2 When I sit and stand: in all my physical movement.

II

13 You formed my inmost being;
    you knit me in my mother’s womb.(A)
14 I praise you, because I am wonderfully made;
    wonderful are your works!
    My very self you know.

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23 Probe me, God, know my heart;
    try me, know my thoughts.(A)
24 See if there is a wicked path in me;
    lead me along an ancient path.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 139:24 Lead me along an ancient path: the manner of living of our ancestors, who were faithful to God’s will, cf. Jer 6:16.