Psalm 139: The Omnipresence Of God
Generally considered to be one of the most notable of the sacred hymns contained within the book of Psalms, Psalm 139 is perhaps one of the most sublime declarations of the omnipresence of God found in the Bible. Attested to David, Psalm 139 is classified as an “Individual Hymn of Thanksgiving” 1 a genre in which God is praised for the singers’ delivery from oppression and various life-threatening illnesses while also acting as a “Wisdom” psalm, celebrating the creative goodness of God. While the actual date of the text remains unclear as it is notoriously difficult to determine a date and historical context for every psalm, most scholars agree that the hymn was written during the time of King David’s reign, there is however, some dispute among
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David acknowledges this as a way to give glory to God and affirm that he is indeed omniscient. It is extremely important to note the extensive use of the words “I” and “You” in the first few verses of the text as these pronouns seem to emphasize the relationship between God and the psalmist or singer of the hymn4. While other cultures in this time period may have refrained from directly addressing their gods, David indicates an intense kinship between God and His people. This is not a generic psalm; it is an intensely personal one between David and God. It is also important to address the repetition of the Hebrew word yada or “to know” in the original text as it is repeated seven times throughout the passage. Yada covers various meanings from simple recognition to a sexually intimate relationship (i.e “Adam knew his wife Eve and bore a son named Cain”3.) This emphasis seems to indicate that David believes the concept of knowledge in general is a very important part of a meaningful relationship.4 What seems to astound David is the idea that God is not only all-knowing and ever-present but He also has the power to act and work directly within our lives and does so. Another notable term found in verse 14 is the word “fearfully” or yara. While it is
David acknowledges this as a way to give glory to God and affirm that he is indeed omniscient. It is extremely important to note the extensive use of the words “I” and “You” in the first few verses of the text as these pronouns seem to emphasize the relationship between God and the psalmist or singer of the hymn4. While other cultures in this time period may have refrained from directly addressing their gods, David indicates an intense kinship between God and His people. This is not a generic psalm; it is an intensely personal one between David and God. It is also important to address the repetition of the Hebrew word yada or “to know” in the original text as it is repeated seven times throughout the passage. Yada covers various meanings from simple recognition to a sexually intimate relationship (i.e “Adam knew his wife Eve and bore a son named Cain”3.) This emphasis seems to indicate that David believes the concept of knowledge in general is a very important part of a meaningful relationship.4 What seems to astound David is the idea that God is not only all-knowing and ever-present but He also has the power to act and work directly within our lives and does so. Another notable term found in verse 14 is the word “fearfully” or yara. While it is