Keraia
Psalm 139

Psalm 139:9

You Have Searched Me and Known Me · Psalm 139:1–24
Read Psalm 139

Translations

Modern
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea,
Traditional
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Literal
If I lift up the wings of the morning, if I settle in the furthest part of the sea,
Latin
Si sumpsero pennas meas diluculo, et habitavero in extremis maris,

Original

Hebrew
English
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea,

Notes

Psalms 139:9

  • rise on the wings of the dawn: This poetic expression describes traveling eastward, as far as the sunrise, if that were possible.

  • the farthest sea: This expression takes the traveler in the opposite direction, far to the west.

Psalms 139:7–12

The psalmist shows wonder at God being everywhere at all times.

Psalms 139:1–24

In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist opens every part of his life to God. He invites God to examine his thoughts, actions, and words. Even though life is difficult, he wants to grow in wisdom so that he does not share in the judgment of the wicked (Psalm 141:5; 142:3; 143:8, 10; 144:3–4).

The psalmist also knows that he cannot escape from the Lord. His stress fades as he remembers that God has cared for him with love, even before he was born (Psalm 139:13–18). He ends by asking God to keep examining him and to guide him on the path of wisdom (Psalm 139:23–24).

Psalms 138:1–145:21

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Glossary

Foreknowledge God, Being and Attributes of Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

God: Guide God: Knowledge of God: Onnipresent God: Presence of God: Ubiquitous Heart: Known to God Morning: (Wings of) Rapid Movements The Holy Spirit: is God: As Omnipresent The Ocean Travel