Psalms138

Psalm 138 is a psalm of David expressing wholehearted praise to the LORD for His lovingkindness and truth, and for magnifying His word. David recounts how God answered his prayer and strengthened him. He anticipates that all kings will eventually praise the LORD, who respects the lowly but knows the proud afar off, and whose mercy endures forever.
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Personal Vow of Thanksgiving

1
A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. ​
2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. ​
3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. ​

Universal Praise for God's Character

4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. ​
5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. ​

Confidence in God's Enduring Mercy

7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 138

Verse 1

The phrase 'before the gods' (elohim) may refer to earthly rulers, heavenly beings (angels), or perhaps a public declaration in defiance of pagan deities. David affirms that his worship is sincere and public.

Verse 2

Worshipping 'toward thy holy temple' indicates that the physical sanctuary is the focal point of God’s presence. The profound statement, 'thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name,' means that God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises (His word) is the ultimate demonstration of His character and power (His name).

Verse 3

The Psalmist’s answered prayer brought not only external relief but internal renewal. God strengthened him 'with strength in my soul,' emphasizing spiritual and inner resolve necessary to face ongoing challenges.

Verse 4

This verse expands the scope of praise from David’s personal experience to a future, universal recognition of Yahweh. The kings of the earth will praise God when they hear the authoritative 'words of thy mouth,' suggesting that divine revelation will ultimately convert all nations.

Verse 6

This verse articulates the central paradox of God’s nature: He is transcendent ('high') yet immanent and just. While He ignores or opposes the proud, He graciously condescends to notice and support the 'lowly' (humble and afflicted).

Verse 8

The declaration, 'The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me,' is an expression of absolute confidence in God’s covenant commitment. David trusts that God, having begun the work of salvation and preservation, will complete it entirely, because he is 'the works of thine own hands.'

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