Wonderful are your works my soul knows it very wellвЂќ as, I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. For instance, the first stanza versifies вЂњFor you formed my inward parts you knitted me together in my motherвЂ™s womb. This section of the psalm is treated a little less literally than the first part, but it remains serviceable. вЂњAll that I Am I Owe to TheeвЂќ picks up where number 288 left off, versifying Psalm 139:13-24. (Sung by West Sayville Reformed Bible Church on Long Island, NY, and Cornerstone URC in Hudsonville, MI) Even the musical climax of the verse, at the end of the third line, coincides with the key words of each stanza. In the few places where it deviates from following the Scripture literally, вЂњLord, Thou Hast Searched MeвЂќ still resonates with poetic beauty:ДЄlthough the tune of вЂњJust as I Am, without One PleaвЂќ may conjure up images of Billy Graham crusades, its heartfelt inflections and connotations are perfectly put to use here. Psalter Hymnal number 288 is straightforward, beautiful, and easy to sing-all qualities of a great psalm-song. I referred to this Psalter selection not too long ago in one of our Featured Recording posts. ( Sung by West Sayville Reformed Bible Church on Long Island, New York) Nevertheless, I believe the Psalter Hymnal does a nearly flawless job. It must be nearly impossible for any songbook to do justice to Psalm 139. For him, there is only one possible response to GodвЂ™s greatness:ДЄnd see if there be any grievous way in me, This is where DavidвЂ™s head knowledge becomes heart knowledge, where theology becomes practice, where doctrine becomes life. Then comes the conclusion of Psalm 139, which contains possibly some of the most poignant words in the entire Psalter. Righteously he calls upon the Lord to judge the wicked. David complains to God of those who вЂњspeak against you with malicious intent your enemies take your name in vainвЂќ (v. It affords joy and comfort to the believer, but to the unrepentant it affords little of either. This revelation of the LordвЂ™s might serves as a double-edged sword. If I would count them, they are more than the sand. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! The psalmist pauses to reflect on the greatness of his God: Wonderful are your works my soul knows it very wellвЂќ (v. And, reflecting on the LordвЂ™s marvelous work even in creating his own body, David confesses, вЂњI praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Of his limitless presence, the psalmist asks in incredulity, вЂњWhere shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?вЂќ (v. Of GodвЂ™s transcending knowledge, David says, вЂњSuch knowledge is too wonderful for me it is high I cannot attain itвЂќ (v.

Kuiken pointed out the basic structure of Psalm 139: the awestruck psalmist David marvels with both head and heart at GodвЂ™s omniscience, his omnipresence, and his omnipotence. This was the first exposition of a psalm I had heard in sermon form (or maybe just the first one I was truly paying attention) perhaps it could even be said that this sermon sparked my desire to learn more about the divinely-inspired songbook. Rich Kuiken of Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church delivered at West Sayville back in 2010. I was first introduced to the rich depths of Psalm 139 in a sermon that Rev. Indeed, this could easily be classified as one of the most personal, even intimate psalms in Scripture. It is with words of incredulous awe that Psalm 139 opens.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

Bingham oh lord my inmost heart