Read Psalm 139

The “Omni” Attributes of God

The Latin word omnis gives us the prefix “omni,” which is combined with other words to indicate that something or someone encompasses all of a certain attribute or characteristic. Have you ever considered how God is all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), all-powerful (omnipotent), and all-good (omnibenevolent)? The inspired psalmist considers these facets of God’s nature in Psalm 139.

David expressed, “You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways” (Psalm 139:2-3). There is nothing man can say or do or even think without God’s knowledge of it! In fact, David declares, “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4). How does he react to such knowledge? He says it “is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6).

The poet king also pontificates on God’s omnipresence. He asks rhetorically, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). The prophet Jonah discovered that he could not flee from God or from his God-given responsibilities. One day we must all give account for what we have done and where we have gone.

The omnipotence of the Almighty God is a frequent theme in Scripture, and this psalm also briefly explores that topic. Focusing upon God’s “fearfully and wonderfully made” creation of mankind, David declares, “Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).

Finally, David writes about God’s goodness or omnibenevolence. Since God is all-good, He hates those things that work against His perfect will. He hates sin. The psalmist pleads, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). God wants everyone to accept His gracious offer of salvation, and through His goodness He has made such possible.