Psalms 139:15-16

[15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

What is the context of Psalms 139:15-16?

What does Psalms 139:15-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

These verses stress selected features of God superintending the process of human fetal formation in the womb. The reference to "frame" means skeleton of bones. The "depths of the earth" is a figure of speech for the womb. When God was forming David in his mother"s womb he was as far from human view as if he were in the depths of the earth. His "unformed substance" is his embryo. The Lord"s book is the book of the living. David said God predetermined the length of his life before birth. In view of Psalm 139:1-4, this probably included his activities as well.

God"s knowledge of all things actual and possible-His omniscience-does not mean mankind"s choices are only illusions. God knows what we will do, even though He gives us freedom to make decisions in some situations.

Psalm 139:13-16 give strong testimony to the fact that human life begins at conception rather than at birth. This is a fact that should weigh heavily in the debate against abortion on demand.