Psalm 139:1-4, 7-16 • God’s Greatness
By Philip Price
When my first born was around four years old, she asked, “Daddy, who made God?” After a long pause, my response was simply, “I don’t know.” Feeling the responsibility to appear to have a better grasp of the universe, I said “No one made God. He has just always been around.” This satisfied her curiosity, and she moved on to asking something like “Do butterflies have husbands?” Children are not afraid to ask questions. They have not been fenced in by logic and they approach life with unfiltered honesty.
For skeptical adults, life is more complicated. The question of God’s origin can become an obstacle — especially when certainty is demanded in place of the unexplainable. Yet, a foundational truth in Christian theology is God is eternal. Moses is credited with writing, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psa. 90:2, ESV).
In Psalm 139, David praised the eternal God. Memorably, the psalmist marveled at the LORD’s vast knowledge (vv. 1-4), omnipresence (vv. 7-12), and intelligent design (12-16).
God’s Incomprehensible Knowledge (Psalm 139:1-4)
David began by expressing, LORD, you have searched and known me (v. 1, CSB). After an in-depth examination by God of his inner being, he asserted that the Almighty held a perfect knowledge of his thoughts and habits. The psalmist declared that God knew whenever he sat down or stood up (v. 2). David wrote that the omniscient Creator is able to observe all our travels, rest, and ways (v. 3). Before we even begin to articulate a word, God knows all about it (v. 4). David reinforced the truth that God is always watching over His people.
The truth that God sees us is communicated in the Hebrew word for God, El-roi, which conveys the idea of seeing, gazing, or perceiving. The word is recorded first in Genesis. Hagar, a mistreated slave, recognized the personal knowledge God has of his people. She proclaimed to Him, You are El-roi… In this place, have I seen the one who sees me? (Gen. 16:13 CSB). He sees you, too.
God’s Inescapable Presence (Psalm 139:7-12)
After articulating the wonder of God’s omniscience, David focused on the omnipresence of God. He asked if there was a place where he could escape God’s Spirit or flee from the Almighty’s presence (v. 7). Next, he answered his own questions by affirming the limitless existence of the Heavenly Father. David said If I go up to heaven or make my bed in Sheol, God is there (v. 8). Here, Sheol is a reference to an ancient grave — a deep burial shaft (Wycliffe). There are no limits to the height and depth of God’s presence. Wherever we fly or settle down, God is with us (vv. 9-10). Referencing times of despair, when the light turns to night (v. 11), David informs everyone that even the dark is not dark to God (v. 12). God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him (I Jn. 1:5). God’s light shines everywhere.
Jonah tried to escape God, but the Supreme Being was even in the depth of the ocean (Jonah 2:6). God’s omnipresence is a nightmare for those who attempt to run from Him, but His presence is a fulfilling comfort for believers. God surrounds you.
God’s Intelligent Plan (Psalm 139:13-16)
David then expressed his amazement that God created his inward parts and knit him together in the womb (v. 13). David praised the Creator for he was remarkably and wondrously made, and he knew this very well (v. 14). The psalmist acknowledges that his skeletal frame — his bones — was designed in secret even before he was conceived. He states he was formed in the depths of the earth (v. 15). This is not a reference to an underground location, but to the astounding reproductive process that occurs in the womb. God saw who we were when we were formless. Furthermore, King David exclaimed that God had an intelligent and intricate plan for his life in all areas — physical spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational. This design was written in God’s book and planned well in advance (v. 16).
God’s intricate design of human beings demonstrates the sacredness of life starting at conception. Since God has a plan for everyone, each life has immense value. We should do all we can to preserve the sanctity of life, because humans were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). This is a Biblical mandate and not just a political debate. Every life is precious to God. He designed you.
Price is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Jackson County Baptist Association, Pascagoula. He is a member of Ridglea Heights Church, Moss Point.
