The theme of Ps. 139 is God’s omniscience and omnipresence. The psalmist recognizes God as present everywhere, One who is not only all-powerful, but also all-knowing, One who has formed man from the womb, and One whose presence man cannot escape. The language of this psalm resembles closely that of the book of Job. The rhythmical structure is regular. There are four strophes, each consisting of six verses.
The first section (vs. 1-6) dwells upon the omniscience of God; the second (vs. 7-12), on His omnipresence. The third (vs. 13-18) gives the reason for the profound conviction of these truths of which the poet’s heart is full. In the last strophe (vs. 19-24) the psalmist changes his theme and expresses his dislike for wicked men. He then closes with a prayer that his own heart may be right with God, and that he may be led by Him in the way everlasting.
On the authorship of the psalm see 2T 536; 6T 375; on the superscription see pp. 616, 627.
Searched.
The Lord searches the heart of all (Jer. 17:10), and alone knows what is in it. Man is often ignorant of his true condition.