Psalm 139 — But the exercises deepen, and partake more of the character of individual communion. The knowledge of Jehovah in all its intimate and searching character is what first reaches the soul, causing it to quail before Him. (vv. 1-6.) It is the Light that makes the truth of everything manifest, and, where there is not that which divinely meets it, the effort is to flee from His presence. (vv. 7-12.) But this is impossible! The heavens, Sheol, earth's inaccessible places, or darkness itself, all bear testimony alike to this. How deeply solemn a thought for one who desires to escape that Presence, and to whom darkness would be a resource! But faith has a divine resource where it can rest. The previous psalm had touched the key-note, 'Thy loving-kindness endures for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.' And, in this thought, praise can arise even in the all-searching light of the divine presence. 'I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made.' The soul surveys itself as of the works of Jehovah; and they are marvellous (v. 14), whether it be in creative power, as here, or in redemption or resurrection (vv. 15-16), for the language is largely figurative, and may be referred even to the assembly. Thus the heart rests in the consciousness that the thoughts of 'El' towards it are precious and infinite in their blessedness — and how uninterrupted! Uncaused by human effort, they need none to sustain them, but sovereignly proceed from the exhaustless love of God. Man may sleep; God's thoughts of love slumber not, for when the saint awakes he can say, 'I am still with Thee' (vv. 14-18.) Are there the wicked and men of blood? Eloah will slay them, for they hate Jehovah. As for himself, he says, 'Search me, O El, and know my heart: prove me, and know my thoughts': for now he has entered into the grace of Jehovah's heart, and the preciousness of His thoughts.
Jehovah, 3; El, 2; Eloah, 1.