Psalm Devotional
A Complete Savior
Psalm 139 is often and rightly referenced when declaring that human life unequivocally begins at conception. But it is critical that we understand the Scriptures before we endeavor to apply them. Otherwise, we will subject the Scriptures to our purposes rather than submit ourselves to the Lord’s revealed will. This psalm’s introduction, A Psalm of David, reminds us that every psalm, along with all of Scripture, is ultimately messianic. This psalm is an elegantly crafted whole with links between the parts (hand, vv. 5, 10; darkness, vv. 11, 12, 13–16) and with a doxology closing each of the sections of praise (vv. 6; 12; 17, 18). Verses 1 and 23 tie up the whole with the main point, which is to be known and loved by God for His glory.
In this section, David meditates on the great attributes of God, which are not abstract ideas but majestic power exercised to save and bless His people. David confesses that God has searched him thoroughly for an absolute knowledge of him (v. 1). In His omniscience (vv. 1–6), the Lord knows every thing about him. He knows, intensively and extensively, David’s every thought, word, and deed. He comprehends him absolutely. In His omnipresence (7–12), God knows every place associated with David. Wherever he goes, God is there to help him: heaven and Sheol, life and death; east (dawn, v. 9a) and west (sea, v. 9b); seen and unseen. From the dark womb to the dark tomb and everywhere in between, God sees where we are and never loses track of His people.
