- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 139
- Verse 139
Psalms 139:12
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
For thou hast possessed my reins,.... His thoughts and counsels, the reins being the seat of instruction and counsel; hence God is called the trier of the reins, and searcher of the hearts of the children of men; he is the possessor or master of their most secret thoughts, and thoroughly knows them; see Psa 7:9; they are also the seat of the affections, which are naturally sinful and inordinate, and set upon carnal and earthly things; but the Lord possesses and engrosses the affections of his people in the best sense, Psa 73:25; moreover the reins are the seat of lust, the bed in which it is conceived and brought forth, and God knows the first motions of it there; and that the imagination of the thought of man's heart is evil continually, Gen 6:5; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb; with the secundine, or afterbirth, in which he carefully wrapped him, a proof of his knowledge of him, and care for him in the womb; or with skin and flesh he covered his bones with as they grew there; see Job 10:11; or the sense is, he protected and defended him in his embryo state, and when ripe for birth took him out from thence, and held him up ever since, Psa 22:9; he had his eye on him when no other eye could see him, not even his mother that bare him, and before ever he himself saw light. The Targum is, "thou hast founded me in my mother's womb.''
Psalms 139:12
You Have Searched Me and Known Me
11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— 12even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holy Harmony - Part 2
By Elisabeth Elliot5.7K41:00Unity1SA 3:18PSA 139:12JER 29:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 5:71PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that everything in our lives is handed to us by God, who is loving, sovereign, omnipotent, and omniscient. The speaker encourages the audience to accept and embrace the circumstances of life as part of God's plan for their good. The sermon also highlights the obedience of early Christians who went into the world to preach the gospel, even at the cost of their lives. The speaker reminds the audience that as Christians, our lives may not make sense to the world, but we live in faith, drawing on supernatural power and being transformed into the image of Christ.
Knowing God's Ways - Part 5
By Walter Beuttler6951:00:46Knowing GodPSA 139:12ISA 50:10ACT 27:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in times of darkness. He references Psalm 139:12, which states that darkness is not hidden from God. The speaker then draws parallels to the story of Paul in the book of Acts, where Paul and his companions faced a violent storm at sea. They cast out four anchors and waited for the day, demonstrating their trust in God's deliverance. The speaker also mentions the example of Paul and Silas, who sang praises to God even while imprisoned and in chains. The sermon concludes by highlighting the transformative power of trusting in God during dark times, both for ourselves and for others who witness our faith.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 139:12ECC 1:2MAT 7:1ACT 2:37ROM 6:7ROM 8:27ROM 14:101CO 4:31CO 6:3HEB 4:12John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of judgment and the importance of humility, highlighting the need to refrain from harshly judging others and to focus on self-reflection. He emphasizes that true judgment belongs to the Lord, who sees the hidden things of darkness and the intentions of the heart. Chrysostom warns against the disease of covetousness and the restless pursuit of wealth, urging listeners to consider the consequences of their actions and to show compassion towards those in need. He encourages a shift in perspective from worldly desires to spiritual gain, reminding that true wealth lies in righteousness and compassion.
When We're in the Dark
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 139:12ISA 45:3ROM 8:282CO 4:17HEB 11:1JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding treasures in darkness, drawing a parallel to the delicate art of lace weaving in a darkened room where only the pattern is illuminated. He encourages believers to trust God's unseen hand at work in their lives, even when they are in the midst of confusion and darkness, as the most exquisite work is often done in those challenging times. The message emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's ultimate plan, assuring that He will bring beauty and goodness out of every trial and hardship.
No Matter the Circumstances
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 139:12PRO 3:5ISA 41:10ISA 45:3JHN 14:26Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about trusting in God's love and faithfulness, even in the midst of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing the assurance that God can bring light out of darkness and make things right. She encourages believers to have faith that God, who knows their needs and circumstances, will guide them through any difficulties they face. Tileston reminds listeners that as faith increases, it will sustain them through sorrows and challenges, offering the presence of the Holy Counselor in times of need.
God Works in the Dark
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 14:21PSA 30:5PSA 139:12ISA 45:3JHN 11:10Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting message in Exodus 14:21, highlighting how God works in the dark and unseen moments of our lives. Just as God caused the sea to go back 'all that night' for the children of Israel, He continues to work in our lives even when we cannot see or understand His ways. The darkness of the night symbolizes times of struggle, doubt, and uncertainty, but it is during these times that God is actively working to make a way for us.
And God Saw the Light
By C.H. Spurgeon0Assurance in FaithGod's LightGEN 1:3PSA 139:12MAT 5:14JHN 8:12ROM 8:382CO 4:6EPH 5:8PHP 1:62TI 2:191JN 1:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the goodness of the light that God has created and His special attention to it, noting that God sees the light in believers with pleasure and complacency. He reassures that even when believers struggle to see their own light due to sin and despair, God always recognizes it as His handiwork. This divine observation brings comfort, as it assures believers that their light is preserved by God's grace, regardless of their feelings of darkness. Spurgeon highlights that the light within is a promise of the eternal day to come, where God's glory will be fully revealed.
God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart
By Thomas Watson0PSA 44:5PSA 139:2PSA 139:12JER 23:24ROM 13:11TI 6:16HEB 4:13JAS 1:5Thomas Watson preaches about the omniscience of God, emphasizing that all things are naked and open before His eyes. He calls for humility, repentance, and soul-affliction in the face of God's all-seeing knowledge. Watson delves into the metaphor of God's heart-anatomy, dissecting the thoughts and motives of the heart, highlighting that even the most secret designs of man are fully known to God. He warns against hypocrisy, partial goodness, and using religion as a mask for sin, urging believers to walk in virtue and duty under the constant gaze of God's omniscient eye.
Trusting in His Unfailing Love
By A.W. Tozer0Endurance in TrialsTrust in GodPSA 30:5PSA 139:12ISA 41:10LAM 3:22JHN 16:33ROM 8:282CO 4:17HEB 12:2JAS 1:21PE 5:10A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's unfailing love during the dark times of our lives, known as the 'night of the soul.' He explains that while the duration of this spiritual night may vary, it is ultimately under God's control, who knows our limits and provides relief through glimpses of hope. Tozer highlights that even Jesus endured suffering by focusing on the joy that awaited Him, reminding us that we too can find strength in God's promises. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us through these challenging times, revealing the blessings that come from enduring the night. Ultimately, Tozer reassures us that God's love is steadfast, and He will bring us into the light.
The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 4
By Dr. D. Vaughan Rees0GEN 29:11PSA 139:12DAN 3:17MAT 11:28MAT 20:16MRK 9:35JAS 5:16Dr. D. Vaughan Rees preaches about the remarkable incidents from the life of the Ye-Su Chia-ting, showcasing the power of faith, honesty, and transformation through encounters with Jesus. The testimonies include miraculous interventions in trials, conversions from opium addiction and idol worship, dreams guiding acts of kindness, and the impact of unwavering faith in the face of Communist opposition. These stories illustrate the unwavering dedication, sacrificial service, and profound spiritual experiences of the early Chinese Christians amidst challenging circumstances.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
For thou hast possessed my reins,.... His thoughts and counsels, the reins being the seat of instruction and counsel; hence God is called the trier of the reins, and searcher of the hearts of the children of men; he is the possessor or master of their most secret thoughts, and thoroughly knows them; see Psa 7:9; they are also the seat of the affections, which are naturally sinful and inordinate, and set upon carnal and earthly things; but the Lord possesses and engrosses the affections of his people in the best sense, Psa 73:25; moreover the reins are the seat of lust, the bed in which it is conceived and brought forth, and God knows the first motions of it there; and that the imagination of the thought of man's heart is evil continually, Gen 6:5; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb; with the secundine, or afterbirth, in which he carefully wrapped him, a proof of his knowledge of him, and care for him in the womb; or with skin and flesh he covered his bones with as they grew there; see Job 10:11; or the sense is, he protected and defended him in his embryo state, and when ripe for birth took him out from thence, and held him up ever since, Psa 22:9; he had his eye on him when no other eye could see him, not even his mother that bare him, and before ever he himself saw light. The Targum is, "thou hast founded me in my mother's womb.''