Read Psalm 139:13–24
Questions from the Scripture text: Who did what (Psalm 139:13a)? Who wove David, where (verse 13b)? What will David do (Psalm 139:14a)? Why? Of what is this an example (verse 14b)? With what effect upon David (verse 14c)? What was not the condition (Psalm 139:15a)? When (verse 15b)? Where (verse 15b–c)? What did YHWH see (Psalm 139:16a)? In what condition was that substance? Where was what written (verse 16b–c)? When (verse 16d)? What does David think of what (Psalm 139:17a)? At what is he amazed (verse 17b)? How big is this sum (Psalm 139:18a)? What does David experience when he regains consciousness (verse 18b)? What does David wish, in response to God’s glory (Psalm 139:19a)? Why—for what three things (verse 19b, Psalm 139:20a, verse 20b)? What is David’s relation to them (Psalm 139:21)? Why? How much does he hate them (Psalm 139:22a)? s what does he count them (verse 22b)? What does David ask God to do in Psalm 139:23a? To know especially what (verse 23b)? And what (Psalm 139:24a)? In order to do what to David?
What does a believer love? Psalm 139:13–24 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a believer loves the Lord, and whatever the Lord loves.
David’s relation to God. David knows the Lord as his Creator (Psalm 139:13). This both forges a very personal relationship and a foundation for praise.
It is his consideration of how the Lord wove him in the womb (verse 13b), that most secret place (Psalm 139:15) that David answers with overflowing praise (Psalm 139:14).
The personal relationship extends not only into the past, with David’s “weaving,” but into the future, with the Lord’s writing all of David’s days in His own, personal book (Psalm 139:16b–d). God has intertwined David’s story with His own. So, praise (Psalm 139:14, Psalm 139:17-18a) is joined to preciousness (Psalm 139:17a) and personal connection (Psalm 139:18b).
Those who do not hate evil, and understand themselves to have been abominable enemies as well, will have difficulty with Psalm 139:19-22. But one of the things that the believer hopes that God will see in his heart (Psalm 139:23a) is a true hatred for all that God hates and a true enmity for all that is at enmity with God.
This is not a vengeful spirit, but includes hating his own remaining sinfulness (Psalm 139:23-24a, cf. Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:17, Colossians 3:5)! One of the believers most earnest prayer requests is for his sanctification—a sanctification in which he must depend upon God for even just the knowledge of his own heart (Psalm 139:23, cf. Jeremiah 17:9).
Rather than walk in the way that is against the Lord, the believer wishes that this God of marvelous work, incalculable thought, and personal love, will lead him in His own everlasting way (Psalm 139:24b).
How often, and with what mindset, do you reflect upon God’s creating you? When you think about finding the Lord precious, or overflowing with praise of His greatness, in which type of response to Him do you most need to grow? How do you foster hatred for what God hates? How intense is your pursuit of sanctification?
Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You for the glories of Your wisdom displayed in creating us and redeeming us. And we love You for creating us for Yourself, and redeeming us for Yourself, and for always being with us. Help us to love what You love, and to hate what You hate, until You have brought us into perfect holiness and the full enjoyment of Your glory, forever, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP139C “You Formed My Mind Within the Womb” or TPH139B “LORD, You Have Searched Me”