In Psalm 139 David celebrates the fact that even if he tried, he could never escape God. David acknowledges exquisitely in verse nine that to the uttermost parts of the sea, he is held securely by God’s right hand.
The “wings of the dawn” he refers to are the first rays of sun you see in the morning as they spread out like wings across the eastern horizon. David imagines riding this great “bird” from one edge of the world to the other, where the waters of the sea draw the horizon’s edge. This ride completes the journey that began with the heights of heaven and the depths of Sheol (v. 8). No matter where David would go—up, down, left, or right—he is enfolded by God.
What a much-needed word of assurance for us today who are part of the New Covenant and who know the name of David’s greater son, Jesus. Because of Him we are certain, as the apostle Paul is, that “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).