Psalms 139:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 139 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm is esteemed by the Hebrews the most excellent in the whole book. The matter of it is noble and sublime, and so is the style. The occasion of it seems to have been those heavy censures and reproaches wherewith David was loaded by his enemies, who branded him for a notorious hypocrite and imposter, that pretended religion only for the covering and promoting his own ambitious and wicked designs against his lawful king, whose life and crown he sought to take away. Against these he comforteth himself with the consideration of God's omniscience, to whom he appeals as the only proper judge of the integrity of his heart. David magnifieth the all-seeing providence of God, Psalms 139:1-16; his great and tender mercies to him before he had a being in the world, Psalms 139:17,18; abhorreth all converse with wicked men, Psalms 139:19-22; prayeth for and testifieth his sincerity, Psalms 139:23,24. No text from Poole on this verse.