Psalms 138:1

ยถ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

A Psalm of David {H1732}. I will praise {H3034} thee with my whole heart {H3820}: before the gods {H430} will I sing praise {H2167} unto thee.

By David: I give you thanks with all my heart. Not to idols, but to you I sing praise.

I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.

Commentary

Psalm 138:1, a heartfelt declaration by King David, sets the tone for a psalm of profound thanksgiving and unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness. This verse immediately establishes David's commitment to offering sincere and total praise to the Lord, even in the most challenging or intimidating circumstances.

Context

Attributed to David, this psalm likely reflects a period of his life where he experienced divine deliverance or a reaffirmation of God's promises. The phrase 'before the gods' is particularly noteworthy. It could refer to:

  • Pagan idols or deities: David's declaration serves as a stark contrast, asserting the supremacy of the one true God over all false gods.
  • Earthly rulers or powerful figures: Given David's role as king, he often found himself in the presence of foreign dignitaries or opposing monarchs. His praise before them would be an act of bold witness and an acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority above all human power.
  • Angelic beings: While less common, some interpretations suggest 'elohim' (the Hebrew word translated 'gods') can refer to angelic beings, implying David's praise is offered in the heavenly courts.

Regardless of the specific interpretation, the context emphasizes David's fearless and public devotion.

Key Themes

This foundational verse introduces several powerful themes:

  • Wholehearted Praise: The commitment to praise God 'with my whole heart' signifies complete, undivided devotion. It's not a superficial or ritualistic act, but one that engages the totality of one's being, echoing the command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and might.
  • God's Supremacy: By choosing to sing praise 'before the gods,' David boldly asserts that Yahweh is above all other perceived powers, whether spiritual or earthly. This highlights God's unparalleled sovereignty and omnipotence, a theme often found in the Psalms, such as Psalm 96:5, which states that 'all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.'
  • Bold Witness: David's public declaration of praise serves as a courageous witness to God's greatness, demonstrating that true faith is not hidden but proclaimed, even in the face of opposition or alternative beliefs.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for 'whole heart' is b'khol levavi (ื‘ึผึฐื›ึธืœึพืœึดื‘ึผึดื™), emphasizing the totality and sincerity of David's devotion. It suggests an unreserved commitment to worship. The word translated 'gods' is elohim (ืึฑืœึนื”ึดื™ื), which is a plural noun that can refer to the one true God (when used with singular verbs, as often in Genesis 1), or to pagan deities, powerful human rulers, or even angelic beings. In this context, the KJV's translation 'the gods' highlights the contrast between the Lord and any other perceived power, underscoring God's unique and supreme position.

Significance and Application

Psalm 138:1 calls believers today to cultivate a similar spirit of wholehearted worship. In a world filled with distractions, competing ideologies, and various 'gods' of materialism, success, or self-worship, this verse encourages us to direct our undivided praise to the true God. It challenges us to be bold in our faith, unashamedly acknowledging God's sovereignty before others, regardless of their beliefs or status. David's example reminds us that genuine praise flows from a heart that recognizes God's supreme power and unwavering faithfulness, motivating us to worship Him publicly and personally with complete devotion.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 111:1

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.

  • Psalms 95:3

    For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:15

    ยถ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

  • John 10:34

    Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

  • John 10:36

    Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

  • Psalms 96:4

    For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.

  • Psalms 119:46

    I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.