TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 138:1–5. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.How he would praise God, compare Psa 111:1.
1. He will praise him with sincerity and zeal - "With my heart, with my whole heart, with that which is within me and with all that is within me, with uprightness of intention and fervency of affection, inward impressions agreeing with outward expressions." 2. With freedom and boldness: Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee, before the princes, and judges, and great men, either those of other nations that visited him or those of his own nation that attended on him, even in their presence. He will not only praise God with his heart, which we may do by pious ejaculations in any company, but will sing praise if there be occasion. Note, Praising God is work which the greatest of men need not be ashamed of; it is the work of angels, the work of heaven. Before the angels (so some understand it), that is, in religious assemblies, where there is a special presence of angels, Co1 11:10. 3. In the way that God had appointed: I will worship towards thy holy temple. The priests alone went into the temple; the people, at the nearest, did but worship towards it, and that they might do at a distance. Christ is our temple, and towards him we must look with an eye of faith, as Mediator between us and God, in all our praises of him. Heaven is God's holy temple, and thitherward we must lift up our eyes in all our addresses to God. Our Father in heaven.
II.What he would praise God for.
1.For the fountain of his comforts - for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth, for thy goodness and for thy promise, mercy hidden in thee and mercy revealed by thee, that God is a gracious God in himself and has engaged to be so to all those that trust in him. For thou hast magnified thy word (thy promise, which is truth) above all thy name. God has made himself known to us in many ways in creation and providence, but most clearly by his word. The judgments of his mouth are magnified even above those of his hand, and greater things are done by them. The wonders of grace exceed the wonders of nature; and what is discovered of God by revelation is much greater than what is discovered by reason. In what God had done for David his faithfulness to his work appeared more illustriously, and redounded more to his glory, than any other of his attributes. Some good interpreters understand it of Christ, the essential Word, and of his gospel, which are magnified above all the discoveries God had before made of himself to the fathers. He that magnified the law, and made that honourable, magnifies the gospel much more.
2.For the streams flowing from that fountain, in which he himself had tasted that the Lord is gracious, Psa 138:3. He had been in affliction, and he remembers, with thankfulness,
(1.)The sweet communion he then had with God. He cried, he prayed, and prayed earnestly, and God answered him, gave him to understand that his prayer was accepted and should have a gracious return in due time. The intercourse between God and his saints is carried on by his promises and their prayers.
(2.)The sweet communications he then had from God: Thou strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. This was the answer to his prayer, for God gives more than good words, Psa 20:6. Observe,
[1.]It was a speedy answer: In the day when I cried. Note, Those that trade with heaven by prayer grow rich by quick returns. While we are yet speaking God hears, Isa 65:24.
[2.]It was a spiritual answer. God gave him strength in his soul, and that is a real and valuable answer to the prayer of faith in the day of affliction. If God give us strength in our souls to bear the burdens, resist the temptations, and do the duties of an afflicted state, if he strengthen us to keep hold of himself by faith, to maintain the peace of our own minds and to wait with patience for the issue, we must own that he has answered us, and we are bound to be thankful.
III.What influence he hoped that his praising God would have upon others, Psa 138:4, Psa 138:5.
David was himself a king, and therefore he hoped that kings would be wrought upon by his experiences, and his example, to embrace religion; and, if kings became religious, their kingdoms would be every way better. Now,
1.This may have reference to the kings that were neighbours to David, as Hiram and others. "They shall all praise thee." When they visited David, and, after his death, when they sought the presence of Solomon (as all the kings of the earth are expressly said to have done, Ch2 9:23), they readily joined in the worship of the God of Israel.
2.It may look further, to the calling of the Gentiles and the discipling of all nations by the gospel of Christ, of whom it is said that all kings shall fall down before him, Psa 72:11. Now it is here foretold,
(1.)That the kings of the earth shall hear the words of God. All that came near David should hear them from him, Psa 119:46. In the latter days the preachers of the gospel should be sent into all the world.
(2.)That then they shall praise God, as all those have reason to do that hear his word, and receive it in the light and love of it, Act 13:48.
(3.)That they shall sing in the ways of the Lord, in the ways of his providence and grace towards them; they shall rejoice in God, and give glory to him, however he is pleased to deal with them in the ways of their duty and obedience to him. Note, Those that walk in the ways of the Lord have reason to sing in those ways, to go on in them with a great deal of cheerfulness, for they are ways of pleasantness, and it becomes us to be pleasant in them; and, if we are so, great is the glory of the Lord. It is very much for the honour of God that kings should walk in his ways, and that all those who walk in them should sing in them, and so proclaim to all the world that he is a good Master and his work its own wages.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord" [Psalm 138:4]. So shall it be, and so it is, and that daily; and it is shown that it was not said in vain, save that it was future. But neither let them, when they confess to You, when they praise You, desire earthly things of You. For what shall the kings of the earth desire? Have they not already sovereignty? Whatever more a man desire on earth, sovereignty is the highest point of his desire. What more can he desire? It must needs be some loftier eminence. But perhaps the loftier it is, the more dangerous. And therefore the more exalted kings are in earthly eminence, the more ought they to humble themselves before God. What do they do? "Because they have heard all the words of Your mouth." In a certain nation were hidden the Law and the Prophets, "all the words of Your mouth:" in the Jewish nation alone were "all the words of Your mouth," the nation which the Apostle praises, saying, "What advantage has the Jew? Much every way; chiefly because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." These were the words of God. [Romans 3:1-2] ...What meant Gideon's fleece? It is like the nation of the Jews in the midst of the world, which had the grace of sacraments, not indeed openly manifested, but hidden in a cloud, or in a veil, like the dew in the fleece. [Judges 6:37, 39] The time came when the dew was to be manifested in the floor; it was manifested, no longer hidden. Christ alone is the sweetness of dew: Him alone you recognise not in Scripture, for whom Scripture was written. But yet, "they have heard all the words of your mouth."
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Summary
Psalm 138:4 presents a majestic prophetic vision, expanding from the psalmist's personal thanksgiving to a grand, eschatological declaration of universal worship. It foresees a future time when even the most powerful earthly rulers, having heard and heeded the authoritative words of the Lord, will turn from their own dominion to acknowledge and offer praise to the God of Israel, signifying His ultimate and undisputed sovereignty over all nations and authorities.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 138 is a psalm of David, opening with a profound expression of personal gratitude and commitment to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 138:1-3). David recounts how God answered his prayer, strengthened his soul, and demonstrated His great power. From this personal experience of divine deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises, David's perspective dramatically expands beyond himself and his nation. Verse 4 marks a pivotal shift from individual thanksgiving to a global, prophetic outlook, anticipating a future where God's glory is so undeniable that it compels recognition and praise from all the world's leaders, echoing themes of universal dominion found elsewhere in the Psalter, such as Psalm 2:10-12.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed by David, a king who experienced both the triumphs of God's favor and the challenges of leading a nation, this psalm reflects an understanding of kingship both within Israel and among surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives or even deities themselves, wielding absolute power. David, however, understood that even the mightiest earthly monarchs were subordinate to the supreme King, the Lord God of Israel. The vision of foreign kings praising Yahweh would have been a radical concept, challenging the prevailing polytheism and nationalistic deities, and pointing towards a future where Israel's God would be universally acknowledged, as promised in various prophetic texts like Isaiah 45:23. This universal recognition underscores God's unique position as the one true sovereign.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the Universal Sovereignty of God, asserting that no earthly power, no matter how great, can ultimately withstand or remain ignorant of God's ultimate dominion. This points to a global acknowledgment of His reign, a concept fully realized in the Messianic kingdom described in Revelation 11:15. Secondly, the phrase "when they hear the words of thy mouth" underscores the Transformative Power of God's Word. It implies that it is through divine revelation—God's decrees, promises, and truth—that the kings of the earth will be moved to praise. God's spoken word is not just information; it is inherently authoritative, living, and active, capable of changing hearts and minds on a global scale, as seen in Hebrews 4:12. Finally, the verse offers a profound Prophetic Hope for future peace and unity under God's rule, anticipating a day when idolatry and rebellion will cease, and all nations will bow before the true God, a hope echoed in Zechariah 14:9.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root; used only as denominative from יָד; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands); cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). The act of "praising" here is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a physical and heartfelt act of worship, often involving the lifting or extending of hands in adoration and confession. It signifies a complete surrender and honor, moving beyond mere admiration to active homage.
From הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. This is the sacred covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness. It is to this specific, personal God of Israel, not a generic deity or abstract concept, that the kings of the earth will ultimately offer their praise, recognizing His unique and supreme identity.
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. This word implies much more than simply perceiving sound. In Hebrew thought, "hearing" (שָׁמַע, shama') often carries the connotation of understanding, heeding, and obeying. For the kings to "hear" the words of God's mouth means they will not only receive divine revelation but will also respond to it with submission and obedience, leading to genuine praise.
Verse Breakdown
"All the kings of the earth"
This phrase establishes the universal scope of the prophecy. It is not just a select few or the rulers of Israel's immediate neighbors, but literally "all" the monarchs and potentates across the entire globe. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all human authority and His intention for universal recognition, transcending all geographical and political boundaries.
"shall praise thee, O LORD"
This is the core action and recipient of the prophecy. The kings, despite their earthly power and often idolatrous practices, will ultimately render praise to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This praise signifies not only acknowledgment of His existence but also adoration, thanksgiving, and submission to His supreme authority. The future tense "shall praise" indicates a certain and inevitable fulfillment, underscoring the divine certainty of this universal homage.
"when they hear the words of thy mouth"
This clause reveals the catalyst for this universal praise. It is not by military conquest or political maneuvering that the kings will come to praise God, but through the transformative power of His divine revelation. "Hearing" implies not just auditory reception, but understanding, heeding, and responding in obedience to the authoritative decrees, promises, and truths that proceed directly from God's own mouth. This emphasizes the efficacy and persuasive power of God's spoken word as the primary means of global transformation and worship.
Literary Devices
Psalm 138:4 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Prophecy, as David looks beyond his immediate circumstances to declare a future event of global significance—the universal praise of God by all kings. This prophetic declaration is imbued with Hyperbole (or Universalism), using "all the kings of the earth" to emphasize the comprehensive and undeniable scope of God's future recognition, extending His dominion far beyond Israel's borders to every corner of the world. This serves to magnify God's ultimate sovereignty. The verse also exhibits strong Theocentricity, placing God ("thee, O LORD") at the absolute center of the action and purpose. The kings' praise is directed solely to Him, and the catalyst for their praise is His own "words of thy mouth," underscoring that all glory and initiative originate from God. Finally, the phrase "words of thy mouth" is a Metonymy, where "mouth" stands for the divine utterance or revelation itself, emphasizing the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 138:4 offers a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and the irresistible power of His word. It declares that despite the apparent autonomy and power of earthly rulers, they are ultimately subservient to the Lord. This verse points to a future eschatological reality where God's glory will be so manifest that it compels universal acknowledgment, transforming hearts and minds through the sheer force of divine truth. It reassures believers that God's plan for universal worship will prevail, even in a world seemingly dominated by secular or opposing powers, providing a foundation for hope and persistent evangelism.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 138:4 provides immense encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, competing ideologies, and leaders who may seem indifferent or even hostile to God's truth, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan for universal recognition and worship will indeed prevail. It instills confidence that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His word possesses transformative power. This prophetic vision calls us not to despair over present realities but to actively participate in God's redemptive work. We are encouraged to trust in God's unwavering control over history and nations, to boldly proclaim the Gospel, knowing that it is through "hearing the words of thy mouth" that hearts are changed, and to faithfully pray for all those in authority, that they might encounter and respond to the truth of God, leading to righteousness and peace in their realms. Our lives, lived in humble obedience to God's word, become a powerful testimony to His glory, influencing others to seek and praise Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse imply that all earthly kings will become believers in the present age?
Not necessarily in the present age, but it points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. The phrase "when they hear the words of thy mouth" suggests a future time when God's revelation will be so clear and compelling that it will elicit praise from all rulers. This could refer to a gradual turning of nations throughout history, or more powerfully, to the culmination of history in the Messianic kingdom when Christ's reign is fully established and universally acknowledged. It speaks to God's ultimate triumph over all earthly opposition.
What are "the words of thy mouth" referring to in this context?
"The words of thy mouth" refers to God's divine revelation, His authoritative decrees, promises, and truths. This encompasses His spoken word, His revealed will in Scripture, and ultimately, the living Word, Jesus Christ. It implies that through divine truth, communicated in various ways, the kings of the earth will come to understand God's character, power, and righteous reign, leading them to worship Him. It highlights the inherent power and efficacy of God's self-disclosure, as seen in Isaiah 55:11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 138:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. While David's prophecy envisions earthly kings praising the Lord, the New Testament reveals that this universal homage is ultimately rendered to the Son, who fully embodies "the words of thy mouth." Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (as proclaimed in John 1:1), and it is through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension that God's ultimate authority and redemptive plan are perfectly revealed. The prophecy of all kings praising the Lord culminates in the eschatological vision of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (as declared in Philippians 2:9-11). The "hearing" of God's words that leads to praise is now primarily the hearing of the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Thus, the universal reign and worship foreshadowed in Psalm 138:4 are fully realized in the triumphant return and eternal reign of Christ, when indeed, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15).