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Psalms 139 (NIV)

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Psalms 139 (NIV)
Commentary 1 source group
Tyndale Commentary 4 notes
TyndaleStudyNotes

Ps.139.1-24

Ps 139 In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist opens every aspect of his being, character, behavior, and speech to God’s examination. As hard as life is, he wants to ensure his own growth in wisdom so that he does not come under God’s judgment of the wicked (141:5; 142:3; 143:8, 10; 144:3-4). Further, the poet recognizes that he cannot escape from the Lord. His s...

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Ps 139 In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist opens every aspect of his being, character, behavior, and speech to God’s examination. As hard as life is, he wants to ensure his own growth in wisdom so that he does not come under God’s judgment of the wicked (141:5; 142:3; 143:8, 10; 144:3-4). Further, the poet recognizes that he cannot escape from the Lord. His sense of stress disappears when he considers the Lord’s loving care for him, even before birth (139:13-18). He then invites the Lord to continue examining him as he walks in the path of wisdom (139:23-24).

Tyndale Open Resources - CC BY-SA 4.0
TyndaleStudyNotes

Ps.139.13

139:13 The delicate, inner parts of the body include a person’s very being. • Even when hidden in his mother’s womb, the psalmist was guided by the Lord.

Tyndale Open Resources - CC BY-SA 4.0
TyndaleStudyNotes

Ps.139.1-6

139:1-6 The Lord knows the psalmist well; God has examined him thoroughly, in an inescapable examination that is painful at times (Job 7:17-19).

Tyndale Open Resources - CC BY-SA 4.0
TyndaleStudyNotes

Ps.139.17

139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me: God’s investigation reveals loving care. Fellowship with the Lord provides riches beyond description.

Tyndale Open Resources - CC BY-SA 4.0
Cross Reference8 items
TyndaleCross References

deuteronomy 6:6-9

deuteronomy 6:6-9

Dictionary & Themes1 item
TyndaleTheme Notes

The Heart in the Psalms

The Heart in the Psalms

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The Heart in the Psalms The Hebrew words leb and lebab (both meaning “heart”) are hard to translate because they rarely refer to the physical human heart. Rather, these terms usually refer to the center of one’s being, an image for a person’s thought life, reflections, and will. The story of the heart reveals a person’s commitment and direction in life. The hearts of the wicked are cunning and scheming (Ps 58:2; 64:6; 140:2). The wicked are deceptive, hypocritical, greedy, jealous, and lacking in integrity (10:3; 28:3; 41:6; 55:21; 62:4; 141:4). As time goes on, they become more arrogant, callous, and stubborn (14:1; 17:10; 73:7; 78:8; 81:12; 95:8, 10; 101:5; 119:70). The wicked are only committed to themselves (78:37), and their destructive way of life (5:9) leads to their own destruction. Meanwhile, the psalmists openly confess their sorrow, trouble, anguish, and despair (13:2; 22:14; 25:17; 38:8, 10; 40:12; 55:4; 61:2; 69:20; 73:21, 26; 109:22; 143:4; 147:3). Through their pain, their hearts grow. They pray intensely (62:8; 119:145), long for God (84:2), trust in him (28:7), and open their hearts to God’s examination (7:9; 17:3; 26:2; 139:1-6, 23). Their commitment does...

Tyndale Open Resources - CC BY-SA 4.0