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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.

Personal Vow of Thanksgiving

1
I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you. ​
2
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all. ​
3
In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul. ​

Universal Praise for God's Character

4
All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth. ​
5
Yes, they will sing of the ways of the LORD; for great is the LORD’s glory.
6
For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but the proud, he knows from afar. ​

Confidence in God's Enduring Mercy

7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
8
The LORD will fulfill that which concerns me; your loving kindness, LORD, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your 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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