Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God - The word “search” here is the same as in Psalms 139:1. See the notes at that verse. The psalmist had stated the fact that it is a characteristic of God that he “does” search the heart; and he here prays that God “would” exercise that power in relation to himself; that as God could know all that there is within the heart, he would examine him with the closest scrutiny, so that he might be under no delusion or self-deception; that he might not indulge in any false hopes; that... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:23-24
Request for God's searching. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." I. SOME THINGS IMPLIED IN THE TEXT . 1. The imperfect knowledge of his own character . Though it lies so near to us—not a far-off country. Though it is the most important of all knowledge. Knowledge of the body important; but that we can trust to another—not this. Sin creates darkness.... read more