Psalm 139:3 (AMP and RVR 1960)

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CONTEXT:

King David is at it again writing and praising God that is. In this case his song is about God’s omniscience (He knows all things) v.1-6, God’s omnipresence (He is everywhere) v.7-12 and God’s omnipotence (He is all powerful – able to do anything) v.13-18. It is this first section that we will at today, and specifically our text is the third verse Thous compasses my path… 

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BREAKDOWN:

Thou compassest my path – I know y’all hear me say context, context context all the time but here is a prime example. The word compassest (or compass) can mean:

Instrument for laying out direction 

Instrument for scribing circles

Being surrounded enclosed limits of something

Specified space within limits of something 

Curved form

To go, move around something

To embrace

To besiege

etc.

My point is without knowing the context we are free to “assume” whatever we want about a text, which is both unbiblical and dangerous. Here David is really saying ‘God you know each and every step I take in life my journey.’ All my steps are carefully laid out

and my lying down, – Even when I lay down at night you Lord are present, you know all my thoughts and dreams

and art acquainted – God is not just acquainted (informed about) folks, He is intimately familiar with His chosen people 

with all my ways. – In fact that familiarity goes for everything we think and do. 

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APPLICATION:

I am not sure with all the technology in the military today if they still teach land navigation, and issue the trusty old Lensatic Compass. If not they should, as everyone needs a leader fully capable of understanding the path or way they are leading. Further it is equally important for leaders to be acquainted or familiar with the personnel in their under their command.  A leaders job is to be that compass, to ensure those who have been entrusted to their charge are not wondering on the wrong path. 

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Today’s Questions:

Say What?

Observation: What did I read? What struck you as most meaningful?

So What?

Interpretation: What does it mean? Overall and the most meaningful? Did it change your view on being Compasses? 

Now What?

Application: How does it apply to me?

Then What?

Implementation: What do I do? How can I start living it out today?

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OTHER RESOURCES:

Treasury of David

Gill’s Exposition