Psalm 139:8-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 139:7-16

It is of great use to us to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed, that we may not only believe them, but be able to tell why we believe them, and to give a reason of the hope that is in us. David is sure that God perfectly knows him and all his ways, I. Because he is always under his eye. If God is omnipresent, he must needs be omniscient; but he is omnipresent; this supposes the infinite and immensity of his being, from which follows the ubiquity of his presence;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 139:8

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there ,.... No man hath ascended or can ascend to heaven of himself; it is an hyperbolical expression, as are those that follow; none but Christ has ascended to heaven by his own power, who descended from it; saints hope to go there at death, and, when they do, they find God there; that is his habitation, his throne is there, yea, that is his throne; here he keeps court and has his attendants, and here he will be seen and enjoyed by his people to all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 139:9

If I take the wings of the morning ,.... And fly as swift as the morning light to the east, to the extremity of it, as Ben Melech; as far as he could go that way, as swiftly as the wings of the morning could carry him thither; so the morning is represented by the Heathens as having wings F6 Vid. Cuperi Apotheos. Homeri, p. 177. ; or as the rays of the rising sun, called wings for the swiftness of them, Malachi 4:2 ; and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea ; in the most... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 139:8

If I ascend - Thou art in heaven, in thy glory; in hell, in thy vindictive justice; and in all parts or earth, water, space, place, or vacuity, by thy omnipresence. Wherever I am, there art thou; and where I cannot be, thou art there. Thou fillest the heavens and the earth. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:1-24

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:1-24

Lord, thou knowest altogether. This psalm, one of the most sublime of them all, is of unknown authorship. It seems to be the composition of some saint of God who lived after the Captivity. If so , what proof it gives of the blessing of sanctified sorrow (cf. the probably companion psalm, Psalms 119:1-176 ; Psalms 119:67 , Psalms 119:71 , Psalms 119:75 )! The furnace of the Exile, the husks of the far country, did bring prodigal Israel to himself; and this psalm is one clear... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:7-10

Omnipresence a fear and a satisfaction. Calvin says, "The word 'Spirit' is not put here simply for the power of God, as commonly in the Scriptures, but for his mind and understanding." Milton, as a young man, traveled much abroad. Years afterwards he thus expressed himself: " I again take God to witness that in all places where so many things are considered lawful, I lived sound and untouched from all profligacy and vice, having this thought perpetually with me—that though I might escape... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:7-10

God everywhere. "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in bell, behold, thou art there," etc. I. GOD IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE . Let us try to fill ourselves with this great thought. 1. God is in heaven . There have been atheists on earth—fools who have said in their hearts that there is no God. Let me tell you what an atheist is like. He is like a man going to hear an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:7-16

The domain of God. The main thought of these noble words is— I. THE BOUNDLESSNESS OF GOD 'S DOMAIN . Wherever we are, whithersoever we go, we are always within his charge. Could we reach the highest heavens, he is there; or the lowest depths of Hades, he is there; and could we wing our way to the far horizon, where sea and sky meet, he is there. In vain should we seek the shelter of the darkness, for darkness and light are alike to him. Even before the light of life shone... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 139:8

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there ; i . e . "if I were to ascend up into heaven, if I could do so, thou wouldst still be there—I should not find myself where thou wert not; no, nor even if I went down to hell ( Sheol ), should I escape thee—thou wouldst be there also." If I make my bed in hell means, "if I go down and take my rest in hell"—the place of departed spirits. Behold, thou art there; literally, behold , thou! read more

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