A.M. 2945. B.C. 1059.
This Psalm is, by many of the Jewish doctors, esteemed the most excellent in the whole book. The matter of it is noble and sublime, and so is the style. It begins with a devout contemplation of the omniscience of God; not, indeed, expressly considered in its utmost extent, as it penetrates at once with an exact and infallible comprehension through the whole scope of created nature, and reaches to the utmost verge and limits of the universe: nor as, together with the present system, and complete actual state of things, it has an intuitive and clear view of the past, and conceives the most obscure and remote futurities, and all possible natures and modes of existence: but as it particularly respects mankind, more immediately influences human morality, and a serious humble discharge of all the duties of religion. The Psalm is generally thought to have been composed by David when he lay under the imputation of having evil designs against Saul, and as pretending religion only for the covering and promoting of his own ambitious views: considered in which light, it is a solemn appeal for the divine omnipresence and omniscience, for his integrity and innocence in these matters. He asserts and enlarges on the omniscience of God, Psalms 139:1-6. Proves by two arguments that he is everywhere present, Psalms 139:7-12. Meditates on the formation of man in the womb, by the divine power, Psalms 139:13-16. On his preservation through life by the divine providence, Psalms 139:17; Psalms 139:18. Expresses a holy hatred of sin, and of the society of sinners, Psalms 139:19-22. And a holy satisfaction in his own integrity, Psalms 139:23; Psalms 139:24.