Psalm 139:18 is a powerful closing line to a psalm that explores God's intimate knowledge and presence. Let's break it down:
"If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand": This refers back to the themes of the psalm, particularly God's thoughts and the ways He has fearfully and wonderfully made the psalmist (David).
David is expressing the sheer immensity of God's thoughts and dealings with him. It's impossible to comprehend the vastness of God's knowledge and care.
Comparing them to grains of sand is a common hyperbole in the Bible to express something uncountable (think of the promise to Abraham about his descendants). It emphasizes the incalculable nature of God's favor, thoughts, blessings, or care. Some interpret "them" as God's thoughts toward the psalmist, others as the blessings the psalmist has received. Both are likely intended to be understood.
"When I wake up, I am still with you.": This is the crux of the verse and the entire psalm.
It highlights God's constant, unwavering presence. Even after a period of rest (sleep), the psalmist awakens to the realization that God is still there.
It speaks to the unchanging nature of God's relationship with the psalmist. The presence isn't fleeting; it's a permanent and comforting reality.
"With you" implies not just God's nearness, but also a sense of relationship, fellowship, and protection.
Overall Meaning:
The verse encapsulates the awe and wonder the psalmist feels toward God's infinite care and constant presence. Even when he tries to grasp the depth of God's involvement in his life (by attempting to count His thoughts or blessings), he is overwhelmed by their immensity. Ultimately, the most comforting truth is the assurance that no matter what, God is always there—a constant companion and source of strength.
In short, the verse is a declaration of God's immeasurable thoughts, blessings, or care, coupled with the assurance of His unwavering presence. It reflects a deep sense of security and comfort found in God.
Psalm 139:18 is a powerful closing line to a psalm that explores God's intimate knowledge and presence. Let's break it down:
"If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand": This refers back to the themes of the psalm, particularly God's thoughts and the ways He has fearfully and wonderfully made the psalmist (David).
David is expressing the sheer immensity of God's thoughts and dealings with him. It's impossible to comprehend the vastness of God's knowledge and care.
Comparing them to grains of sand is a common hyperbole in the Bible to express something uncountable (think of the promise to Abraham about his descendants). It emphasizes the incalculable nature of God's favor, thoughts, blessings, or care. Some interpret "them" as God's thoughts toward the psalmist, others as the blessings the psalmist has received. Both are likely intended to be understood.
"When I wake up, I am still with you.": This is the crux of the verse and the entire psalm.
It highlights God's constant, unwavering presence. Even after a period of rest (sleep), the psalmist awakens to the realization that God is still there.
It speaks to the unchanging nature of God's relationship with the psalmist. The presence isn't fleeting; it's a permanent and comforting reality.
"With you" implies not just God's nearness, but also a sense of relationship, fellowship, and protection.
Overall Meaning:
The verse encapsulates the awe and wonder the psalmist feels toward God's infinite care and constant presence. Even when he tries to grasp the depth of God's involvement in his life (by attempting to count His thoughts or blessings), he is overwhelmed by their immensity. Ultimately, the most comforting truth is the assurance that no matter what, God is always there—a constant companion and source of strength.
In short, the verse is a declaration of God's immeasurable thoughts, blessings, or care, coupled with the assurance of His unwavering presence. It reflects a deep sense of security and comfort found in God.