(23) Search.—The same word with which the psalm opens. -- Henry Melvill. They are often exercised as to whence their religion came. David knew that he was surrounded by wicked men and evil enemies, whose hatred of our amazing and glorious God was diametrically opposite to David’s depth and devotion for his Lord. He is acquainted with all our ways and understands the deepest thoughts of our innermost being. Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful insights that David has given us into Your perfect character. For be sure of this, if you do really and earnestly ask God to "search" you, he will do it. Search me, O God - Investigate my conduct, examine my heart, put me to the test, and entwine my thoughts. (220) But the last of these meanings will not apply here, for David asserts his freedom not from superstition merely, but unrighteousness, as elsewhere it is said, (Isaiah 59:7,) that in the ways of such men there is “trouble and destruction,” because they carry everything by violence and wickedness. Of self dedication: "Lead me", etc. In searching into yourselves, you know where the tender points are, and those points you will be apt to avoid, so as not to put yourselves to pain, nor make it evident how much you need the caustic and the knife. If, for instance, you are cast down, you are exercised whether it springs from godly sorrow for sin. "The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible". or whither shall I flee from thy presence?. Copyright StatementThese files are public domain. They must have it wrought by God himself. that I hate wicked men merely for their wickedness; and for no self-respect have I thus cast down the gauntlet of defiance unto them, and bidden them battle. 1865-1868. ( C) in me, and lead me. Psalm 139:23 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, The Consecration Of Spiritual Energy (part 2). Verse 23-24. Presumption is but a counterfeit, and cannot abide to be tried: 1 Peter 1:7 . "Calvin's Commentary on the Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/psalms-139.html. While he denies that his heart was double or insincere, he does not profess exemption from all sin, but only that he was not devoted to wickedness; for עצב, otseb, does not mean any sin whatever, but grief, trouble, or pravity — and sometimes metaphorically an idol. David says, elsewhere, "Who can understand his errors? They are often exercised as to whence their religion came. Notice that God searches your heart. Is there any exercise of the soul which any one of us has found so unsatisfactory, so almost impossible, as self examination? Bullinger's Companion bible Notes". BibliographyCalvin, John. Let us pray as David did, and let us be as honest as he. But there is another kind of hypocrisy, which differs from both of these: I mean that hypocrisy by which a man does not only deceive the world, but very often imposes on himself; that hypocrisy which conceals his own heart from him, and makes him believe he is more virtuous than he really is, and either not attend to his vices, or mistake even his vices for virtues. Now, the first inference which we draw from the text, when considered as indicating the feelings of the petitioner is, that he was thoroughly honest, that it was really his wish to become acquainted with his own heart. The language, Of self examination. When trials are offered, he complies with the apostle's advice, 2 Corinthians 13:5 . Verse 23-24. The modish hypocrite endeavours to appear more vicious than he really is, the other kind of hypocrite more virtuous. The idea is, Search me thoroughly; examine not merely my outward conduct, but what I think about; what are my purposes; what passes through my mind; what occupies my imagination and my memory; what secures my affections and controls my will. If the sun were an intelligent being, I would ask him, "How do you see yourself? The former is afraid of everything that has the show of religion in it, and would be thought engaged in many criminal gallantries and amours which he is not guilty of. Others think the allusion is to a bad conscience, which afflicts the wicked with inward torments, but this is a forced interpretation. -- Condensed from James Vaughan. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/psalms-139.html. It would need, we believe, a very high degree of piety to be able to put up with sincerity the prayers of our text. ", Commentary Critical and Explanatory - Unabridged, Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures. And yet, if we would be saved, this must be done. They take things for granted; they nestle under some good man"s wing, or get their religion endorsed by some minister, and are satisfied. Try me, and know my thoughts. The dear child, pardoned and reconciled, loves and longs for the Father's presence. May we come to a deeper awareness of the beautiful attributes of our glorious God – for He is the only source of grace and truth, mercy and love, peace and hope – salvation for the soul and life eternal. As long as God is my enemy, I am his. How can the blazing fire welcome the quenching water? It reminds us that God knows every aspect of our lives and is … Search me, O God - The word “search” here is the same as in Psalm 139:1. "The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge". The groan is bursting yet from his broken heart: "O wretched man that I am! "Search me, O God, and know my heart—try me, and know my thoughts—and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."