- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 139
- Verse 139
Psalms 139:17
Verse
Context
You Have Searched Me and Known Me
16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. 17How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! 18If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand,...., That is, if I should attempt to do it, it would be as vain and fruitless as to attempt to count the sands upon the seashore, which are innumerable; Psa 11:5. So Pindar says (s), that sand flies number, that is, is not to be numbered; though the Pythian oracle boastingly said (t), I know the number of the sand, and the measures of the sea; to which Lucan (u) may have respect when he says, measure is not wanting to the ocean, nor number to the sand; hence geometricians affect to know them; so Archytas the mathematician, skilled in geometry and arithmetic, is described and derided by Horace (w) as the measurer of the earth and sea, and of the sand without number; and Archimedes wrote a book called (x), of the number of the sand, still extant (y), in which he proves that it is not infinite, but that if even the whole world was sand it might be numbered; but the thoughts of God are infinite; when I wake, I am still with thee; after I have been reckoning them up all the day, and then fall asleep at night to refresh nature after such fatiguing researches; when I awake in the morning and go to it again, I am just where I was, and have got no further knowledge of God and his thoughts, and have as many to count as at first setting out, and far from coming to the end of them: or else the sense is, as I was under thine eye and care even in the womb, before I was born, so I have been ever since, and always am, whether sleeping or waking; I lay myself down and sleep in safety, and rise in the morning refreshed and healthful, and still continue the care of thy providence: it would be well if we always awaked with God in our thoughts, sensible of his favours, thankful for them, and enjoying his gracious presence; as it will be the happiness of the saints, that, when they shall awake in the resurrection morn, they shall be with God, and for ever enjoy him. (s) Olymp. Ode 2. in fine. (t) Apud Herodot. Clio, sive l. 1. c. 47. (u) Pharsal. l. 5. v. 182. (w) Carmin. l. 1. Ode. 28. v. 1, 2. (x) Vid. Turnebi Advers. l. 26. c. 1. (y) Fabrit. Biblioth. Gr. l. 3. c. 22. s. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the psalmist makes application of the doctrine of God's omniscience, divers ways. I. He acknowledges, with wonder and thankfulness, the care God had taken of him all his days, Psa 139:17, Psa 139:18. God, who knew him, thought of him, and his thoughts towards him were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer 29:11. God's omniscience, which might justly have watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good, Jer 31:28. God's counsels concerning us and our welfare have been, 1. Precious to admiration: How precious are they! They are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight. They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts. 2. Numerous to admiration: How great is the sum of them! We cannot conceive how many God's kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns he has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from him. If we would count them, the heads of them, much more the particulars of them, they are more in number than the sand, and yet every one great and very considerable, Psa 40:5. We cannot conceive the multitude of God's compassions, which are all new every morning. 3. Constant at all times: "When I awake, every morning, I am still with thee, under thy eye and care, safe and easy under thy protection." This bespeaks also the continual devout sense David had of the eye of God upon him: When I awake I am with thee, in my thoughts; and it would help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, our first thoughts were of him and we did then set him before us. II. He concludes from this doctrine that ruin will certainly be the end of sinners. God knows all the wickedness of the wicked, and therefore he will reckon for it: "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God! for all their wickedness is open before thee, however it may be artfully disguised and coloured over, to hide it from the eye of the world. However thou suffer them to prosper for a while, surely thou wilt slay them at last." Now observe, 1. The reason why God will punish them, because they daringly affront him and set him at defiance (Psa 139:20): They speak against thee wickedly; they set their mouth against the heavens (Psa 73:9), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against him, Jde 1:15. They are his enemies, and declare their enmity by taking his name in vain, as we show our contempt of a man if we make a by-word of his name, and never mention him but in a way of jest and banter. Those that profane the sacred forms of swearing or praying by using them in an impertinent irreverent manner take God's name in vain, and thereby show themselves enemies to him. Some make it to be a description of hypocrites: "They speak of thee for mischief; they talk of God, pretending to piety, but it is with some ill design, for a cloak of maliciousness; and, being enemies to God, while they pretend friendship, they take his name in vain; they swear falsely." 2. The use David makes of this prospect which he has of the ruin of the wicked. (1.) He defies them: "Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, being under God's protection, he shall force you to depart from me." (2.) He detests them (Psa 139:21, Psa 139:22): "Lord, thou knowest the heart, and canst witness for me; do not I hate those that hate thee, and for that reason, because they hate thee? I hate them because I love thee, and hate to see such affronts and indignities put upon thy blessed name. Am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee, grieved to see their rebellion and to foresee their ruin, which it will certainly end in?" Note, Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear God. "I hate them" (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside," as he explains himself, Psa 101:3) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to God as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them," Psa 69:8. III. He appeals to God concerning his sincerity, Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24. 1. He desires that as far as he was in the wrong God would discover it to him. Those that are upright can take comfort in God's omniscience as a witness of their uprightness, and can with a humble confidence beg of him to search and try them, to discover them to themselves (for a good man desires to know the worst of himself) and to discover them to others. He that means honestly could wish he had a window in his breast that any man may look into his heart: "Lord, I hope I am not in a wicked way, but see if there be any wicked way in me, any corrupt inclination remaining; let me see it; and root it out of me, for I do not allow it." 2. He desires that, as far as he was in the right, he might be forwarded in it, which he that knows the heart knows how to do effectually: Lead me in the way everlasting. Note, (1.) The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to God and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life. It is the way of antiquity (so some), the good old way. (2.) All the saints desire to be kept and led in this way, that they may not miss it, turn out of it, nor tire in it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me: God’s investigation reveals loving care. Fellowship with the Lord provides riches beyond description.
Psalms 139:17
You Have Searched Me and Known Me
16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. 17How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! 18If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Goodness
By A.W. Tozer6.7K49:31Attributes of GodPSA 19:1PSA 34:8PSA 36:7PSA 119:68PSA 139:17ISA 63:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all the attributes of God are different aspects of one God in three persons. He encourages the listeners to think right and align their thoughts with the truth of God's nature. The preacher also discusses the wonders of God's creation and contrasts it with the limitations of human inventions. He highlights the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. Additionally, the preacher emphasizes that God desires His people to find joy and pleasure in Him, and He came to heal and restore all the brokenness and pain in our lives.
Our Thoughts
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K25:14Renewing The MindThoughtsGuarding the HeartPSA 139:17Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound truth that God is constantly thinking of us, which can transform our lives. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own thoughts towards God and to guard their hearts against evil thoughts that can corrupt them. Waldvogel stresses the importance of Bible study and prayer as means to renew our minds and align our thoughts with Christ's. He warns against superficial religion and encourages a deep, personal relationship with God that cleanses the heart and transforms our thinking. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live in the Spirit, allowing God's thoughts to reign in our hearts.
The Tears of God
By Edgar Reich55456:09PSA 139:17This sermon emphasizes the tears of God, highlighting how God weeps over His people's rejection and sin. It delves into the need for personal and family revival, repentance, and reliance on God's help through the Holy Spirit. The message urges listeners to turn to Jesus for salvation, to follow His teachings, and to spread love and hope in a world filled with sin and despair.
Loving God and Loving People
By Gary Wilkerson10552:45God's LoveOvercoming FearLovePSA 139:17JER 29:11MAT 22:37JHN 15:15ACT 10:38ROM 5:5EPH 3:172TI 1:71JN 3:11JN 4:18Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love of God for each individual, encouraging believers to embrace this love as a means to overcome fear and to freely love others. He shares personal experiences of how understanding God's love has transformed his approach to ministry and relationships, moving from a fear-based mindset to one rooted in love and acceptance. Wilkerson highlights that the essence of the New Covenant is God's love, which empowers believers to live authentically and share that love with others, ultimately fostering a community of grace and compassion.
Trust in God's Will
By John Newton0PSA 139:17PRO 3:5MAT 26:39ROM 8:28JAS 1:2John Newton, in a heartfelt letter to a friend, expresses the deep connection and friendship he feels despite physical distance, emphasizing the constant presence of his friend in his thoughts. He reflects on the love of the Lord during trials, highlighting the wisdom and purpose behind every affliction, ultimately leading to a greater trust in God's plan. Newton seeks his friend's prayers to deepen his own trust in God, desiring complete surrender to the divine will above all else.
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit's Love
By Horatius Bonar0The TrinityThe Love of the Holy SpiritPSA 139:17ISA 40:1JER 29:11MAT 28:19LUK 11:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:26EPH 1:131JN 4:8REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound love of the Holy Spirit, asserting that His love is equal to that of the Father and the Son, and is essential for understanding the fullness of God's grace. He argues that the Holy Spirit's love is not only personal but also active in the lives of believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them in their spiritual journey. Bonar warns against misconceptions that portray the Spirit as distant or austere, urging believers to trust in His loving nature for growth in faith and joy. He highlights the Spirit's role in the Church and the necessity of recognizing His love to experience true peace and spiritual vitality. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is a living personality, not just an influence, and whose love is foundational to the Christian faith.
Calm in the Midst of Crisis
By David Wilkerson0Peace in CrisisTrust in GodPSA 40:5PSA 139:17PRO 3:5LUK 5:22David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound thoughts and care God has for each individual, highlighting that God has been mindful of us since before our birth. He reassures us that God's faithfulness is evident in heaven, where angels testify to His promises and trustworthiness. In times of crisis, the world seeks Christians who can remain calm and steadfast, demonstrating their faith in God's unwavering support. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, as true freedom from fear and worry comes from resting in the Creator's love and assurance.
A Grateful Retrospect of Undeserved Mercies
By Thomas Reade0PSA 139:17JHN 6:35JHN 8:12JHN 10:9JHN 10:11JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 15:52CO 5:17EPH 2:8Thomas Reade preaches on the grateful retrospect of undeserved mercies, reflecting on the precious thoughts of God towards His people and the various ways Jesus manifests Himself to believers. Through powerful metaphors, Jesus is revealed as the Vine, the Bread of Life, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Light of the world, and the Resurrection and the Life, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on Him for salvation and guidance. Reade urges listeners to consider their undeserved blessings, the mercy of God in their lives, and the need for genuine faith and gratitude in response to God's goodness.
God Has Good Plans for You
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 139:17ISA 14:5JER 29:11ROM 8:281PE 5:7Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about God's intimate care and guidance in our lives, even when we are unaware of His presence. She emphasizes God's thoughts of peace and His plans for our future, assuring us of His unwavering love and purpose for each of us. Tileston encourages believers to find comfort in God's love, knowing that He is preparing us for a great work and a good that reflects His divine magnificence, regardless of our current circumstances.
It Becomes Mutual
By C.H. Spurgeon0Fellowship With GodMutual Relationship with GodPSA 139:172CO 6:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound mutual relationship between God and His people, where God is the possession of His saints, and they are His treasured people. This mutual interest fosters a deep consideration, as believers are reminded that God is always thinking of them, prompting them to reflect on how they can serve Him in return. The sermon highlights the importance of mutual fellowship, where God dwells within believers, and they walk in communion with Him. Spurgeon expresses a heartfelt desire for grace to fully embrace God as His own, to love and serve Him as He deserves, ultimately seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. He calls upon God for help in achieving this spiritual connection, recognizing it as the essence of true fulfillment.
The Happiness of Drawing Near to God
By Thomas Watson0JOB 28:18PSA 73:28PSA 119:165PSA 139:15PSA 139:17PRO 18:10PRO 23:26LUK 15:20COL 1:21HEB 10:22Thomas Watson preaches on the importance and benefits of drawing near to God, emphasizing that it is good for believers to seek closeness with Him. He delves into the nature of our distance from God due to sin and the necessity of repentance to draw near. Watson explains how drawing near to God is made possible through Jesus Christ as our mediator, and he highlights the various ways believers can draw near to God through prayer, His Word, and the sacraments. The sermon concludes with exhortations to draw near to God out of love, honor, safety, peace, and for the riches of His blessings, warning of the consequences of drawing back from God or drawing near hypocritically.
A Sanctified Memory
By Thomas Brooks0Sanctified MemoryThoughts of GodPSA 139:17Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of maintaining a sanctified memory filled with precious thoughts of God, as expressed in Psalm 139:17-18. He highlights that the psalmist cherished God's thoughts, valuing them above all else, and encourages Christians to continually enrich their minds with high, noble, and comforting thoughts of God's nature and attributes. A sanctified memory serves as a treasure trove for believers, allowing them to draw strength and solace from their reflections on God's power, wisdom, and compassion.
Profiting From the Word 8. the Scriptures and the Promises
By A.W. Pink0Faith and AssuranceGod's PromisesPSA 139:17PRO 23:23ROM 5:21ROM 9:82CO 1:20EPH 2:12PHP 4:19HEB 11:13HEB 13:52PE 1:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of God's promises in the Scriptures, illustrating how they reveal God's love and grace towards His people. He explains that these promises are not only assurances of blessings but also require believers to actively engage with them, recognizing their conditions and appropriating them in faith. Pink warns against the misuse of promises by those outside of Christ and encourages believers to patiently await their fulfillment while living in accordance with God's will. Ultimately, he highlights that the promises serve as a foundation for faith and a source of comfort in both spiritual and daily life.
Why He Delays
By F.B. Meyer0God's Love and CareDivine TimingPSA 139:17ISA 30:18HEB 12:6F.B. Meyer explores the theme of divine delays in his sermon 'Why He Delays,' emphasizing that God's waiting is not due to favoritism, neglect, or denial. He reassures us that God treats each individual according to their unique needs and circumstances, demonstrating His love and care. Meyer illustrates that God's delays are purposeful, allowing blessings to accumulate and be more impactful when they arrive. He reminds us that we are cherished by God, who never forgets us, and that His timing is always perfect for our growth and benefit.
How Precious Also Are Thy Thoughts Unto Me, O God
By C.H. Spurgeon0Comfort in God's PresenceGod's OmnisciencePSA 139:17C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the comforting nature of God's omniscience for believers, illustrating that God's thoughts towards His children are constant, tender, and filled with love. He reassures that God never turns His gaze away from us, providing a sense of security and care in our lives. Spurgeon highlights that God's thoughts encompass our entire being, ensuring that not a single detail of our existence is overlooked. This divine attention brings immense consolation, especially in times of sorrow and struggle, as we are always under the watchful eye of our Heavenly Father. Ultimately, the assurance of God's thoughts leads to our perseverance and salvation, as He remains committed to His covenant with us.
Our Thoughts (Forsake Your Unrighteous Thoughts, and Let Christ Think His Thoughts in you.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Renewing The MindInner TransformationPSA 139:17PRO 23:7ISA 55:7MAT 6:6ROM 12:22CO 10:5GAL 2:20EPH 4:23PHP 2:5COL 3:2Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of forsaking unrighteous thoughts and allowing the mind of Christ to dwell within us. He highlights that true transformation comes from a deep, personal relationship with God, where we not only abandon external sins but also cleanse our hearts and thoughts. Waldvogel encourages believers to engage in sincere Bible study and prayer, which are essential for renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with Christ's. He warns against superficial religion and calls for a genuine inner beauty that reflects Christ's righteousness. Ultimately, he reminds us that our thoughts can either stem from heaven or hell, urging us to choose wisely.
Paul's Sources of Consolation
By Thomas Reade0PSA 139:17ROM 8:381CO 15:582CO 1:32CO 4:172CO 5:202CO 12:9PHP 4:11PHP 4:18Thomas Reade preaches about the sources of consolation for Christians, focusing on the covenant titles of Jehovah, the immutability of God's counsel, the sufficiency of the Savior's grace, the efficacy of His power, and the assurance of future glory. He emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Divine Perfections displayed in our redemption by Jesus Christ and the work of grace in the heart through the Holy Spirit. Reade highlights the security, peace, and blessings that believers in Jesus experience, rooted in the everlasting Covenant and the unbreakable love of God. He encourages believers to find contentment, humility, and strength in Christ, to endure trials with joy, and to look forward to the eternal glory promised to those who love God.
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand,...., That is, if I should attempt to do it, it would be as vain and fruitless as to attempt to count the sands upon the seashore, which are innumerable; Psa 11:5. So Pindar says (s), that sand flies number, that is, is not to be numbered; though the Pythian oracle boastingly said (t), I know the number of the sand, and the measures of the sea; to which Lucan (u) may have respect when he says, measure is not wanting to the ocean, nor number to the sand; hence geometricians affect to know them; so Archytas the mathematician, skilled in geometry and arithmetic, is described and derided by Horace (w) as the measurer of the earth and sea, and of the sand without number; and Archimedes wrote a book called (x), of the number of the sand, still extant (y), in which he proves that it is not infinite, but that if even the whole world was sand it might be numbered; but the thoughts of God are infinite; when I wake, I am still with thee; after I have been reckoning them up all the day, and then fall asleep at night to refresh nature after such fatiguing researches; when I awake in the morning and go to it again, I am just where I was, and have got no further knowledge of God and his thoughts, and have as many to count as at first setting out, and far from coming to the end of them: or else the sense is, as I was under thine eye and care even in the womb, before I was born, so I have been ever since, and always am, whether sleeping or waking; I lay myself down and sleep in safety, and rise in the morning refreshed and healthful, and still continue the care of thy providence: it would be well if we always awaked with God in our thoughts, sensible of his favours, thankful for them, and enjoying his gracious presence; as it will be the happiness of the saints, that, when they shall awake in the resurrection morn, they shall be with God, and for ever enjoy him. (s) Olymp. Ode 2. in fine. (t) Apud Herodot. Clio, sive l. 1. c. 47. (u) Pharsal. l. 5. v. 182. (w) Carmin. l. 1. Ode. 28. v. 1, 2. (x) Vid. Turnebi Advers. l. 26. c. 1. (y) Fabrit. Biblioth. Gr. l. 3. c. 22. s. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the psalmist makes application of the doctrine of God's omniscience, divers ways. I. He acknowledges, with wonder and thankfulness, the care God had taken of him all his days, Psa 139:17, Psa 139:18. God, who knew him, thought of him, and his thoughts towards him were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer 29:11. God's omniscience, which might justly have watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good, Jer 31:28. God's counsels concerning us and our welfare have been, 1. Precious to admiration: How precious are they! They are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight. They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts. 2. Numerous to admiration: How great is the sum of them! We cannot conceive how many God's kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns he has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from him. If we would count them, the heads of them, much more the particulars of them, they are more in number than the sand, and yet every one great and very considerable, Psa 40:5. We cannot conceive the multitude of God's compassions, which are all new every morning. 3. Constant at all times: "When I awake, every morning, I am still with thee, under thy eye and care, safe and easy under thy protection." This bespeaks also the continual devout sense David had of the eye of God upon him: When I awake I am with thee, in my thoughts; and it would help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, our first thoughts were of him and we did then set him before us. II. He concludes from this doctrine that ruin will certainly be the end of sinners. God knows all the wickedness of the wicked, and therefore he will reckon for it: "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God! for all their wickedness is open before thee, however it may be artfully disguised and coloured over, to hide it from the eye of the world. However thou suffer them to prosper for a while, surely thou wilt slay them at last." Now observe, 1. The reason why God will punish them, because they daringly affront him and set him at defiance (Psa 139:20): They speak against thee wickedly; they set their mouth against the heavens (Psa 73:9), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against him, Jde 1:15. They are his enemies, and declare their enmity by taking his name in vain, as we show our contempt of a man if we make a by-word of his name, and never mention him but in a way of jest and banter. Those that profane the sacred forms of swearing or praying by using them in an impertinent irreverent manner take God's name in vain, and thereby show themselves enemies to him. Some make it to be a description of hypocrites: "They speak of thee for mischief; they talk of God, pretending to piety, but it is with some ill design, for a cloak of maliciousness; and, being enemies to God, while they pretend friendship, they take his name in vain; they swear falsely." 2. The use David makes of this prospect which he has of the ruin of the wicked. (1.) He defies them: "Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, being under God's protection, he shall force you to depart from me." (2.) He detests them (Psa 139:21, Psa 139:22): "Lord, thou knowest the heart, and canst witness for me; do not I hate those that hate thee, and for that reason, because they hate thee? I hate them because I love thee, and hate to see such affronts and indignities put upon thy blessed name. Am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee, grieved to see their rebellion and to foresee their ruin, which it will certainly end in?" Note, Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear God. "I hate them" (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside," as he explains himself, Psa 101:3) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to God as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them," Psa 69:8. III. He appeals to God concerning his sincerity, Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24. 1. He desires that as far as he was in the wrong God would discover it to him. Those that are upright can take comfort in God's omniscience as a witness of their uprightness, and can with a humble confidence beg of him to search and try them, to discover them to themselves (for a good man desires to know the worst of himself) and to discover them to others. He that means honestly could wish he had a window in his breast that any man may look into his heart: "Lord, I hope I am not in a wicked way, but see if there be any wicked way in me, any corrupt inclination remaining; let me see it; and root it out of me, for I do not allow it." 2. He desires that, as far as he was in the right, he might be forwarded in it, which he that knows the heart knows how to do effectually: Lead me in the way everlasting. Note, (1.) The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to God and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life. It is the way of antiquity (so some), the good old way. (2.) All the saints desire to be kept and led in this way, that they may not miss it, turn out of it, nor tire in it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me: God’s investigation reveals loving care. Fellowship with the Lord provides riches beyond description.