Psalms 138:5

KJV

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great [is] the glory of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, they shall sing {H7891} in the ways {H1870} of the LORD {H3068}: for great {H1419} is the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will sing about ADONAI's ways, "Great is the glory of ADONAI!"

Berean Standard Bible

They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.

American Standard Version

Yea, they shall sing of the ways of Jehovah; For great is the glory of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 138:5 presents a magnificent prophetic vision where all earthly rulers and, by extension, all nations will joyfully sing in the ways of the LORD, compelled by the undeniable and overwhelming greatness of His glory. This declaration transcends individual thanksgiving to proclaim a future of universal adoration, asserting God's supreme sovereignty over all creation and anticipating a time when His inherent majesty will evoke worship from every corner of the earth, leading to a global embrace of His righteous character and providential rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 138 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, expressing profound gratitude for God's faithfulness and answered prayer. It begins with David's heartfelt vow to praise the LORD before "the gods" (or mighty ones) and in His holy temple, acknowledging God's steadfast love and truth ([Psalm 138:1-2](/psalms/138-1-2 "Psalm 138:1-2 - David's Vow and God's Faithfulness")). David recounts how God answered his cry and strengthened his soul ([Psalm 138:3](/psalms/138-3 "Psalm 138:3 - God's Strength in Answered Prayer")). Immediately preceding verse 5, verse 4 broadens the psalm's scope dramatically, stating, "All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth." This sets the stage for verse 5, extending this vision of universal worship beyond mere hearing to active, joyful participation. The psalm thus transitions from David's individual experience of God's faithfulness to a grand, eschatological anticipation of global recognition and worship of Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine or semi-divine figures, and their power was frequently attributed to their national deities. The assertion that "all the kings of the earth" would praise Yahweh ([Psalm 138:4](/psalms/138-4 "Psalm 138:4 - Kings Praising the Lord")) was a radical theological claim, challenging the prevailing worldview by proclaiming the absolute supremacy of Israel's God over all other gods and earthly potentates. This universalistic outlook was a core component of Israel's prophetic hope, envisioning a future where God's glory would not be confined to Israel but would be acknowledged by all peoples. This vision often accompanied promises of God's ultimate reign and the establishment of His righteous kingdom, where His "ways" would become the standard for all humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 138:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, declaring that His dominion extends over all earthly powers and nations, who will ultimately bow before Him in recognition of His authority. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Joyful Worship and Adoration**, portraying praise not as a burdensome duty but as a spontaneous, heartfelt, and vocal response to God's revealed glory. To "sing in the ways of the LORD" signifies a profound delight in His character, His decrees, and His providential dealings, echoing the joy found in walking according to God's law, as seen throughout [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - Delight in God's Law"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Greatness and Inherent Glory of God** as the ultimate motivation for this universal praise. His majesty, power, and splendor are so profound that they compel worship from all who perceive them, aligning with the prophetic vision of God's glory filling the earth ([Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord's Glory Fills the Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sing (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** From H7891, this primitive root means "to sing." It denotes a spontaneous, vocal, and often joyful expression of praise, celebration, or adoration, typically in the form of a song. In this context, it signifies an active, heartfelt, and public declaration of God's greatness, moving beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment to a vibrant, celebratory act of worship.
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this term literally refers to a "road (as trodden)" but figuratively denotes "a course of life or mode of action." In Psalms 138:5, "the ways of the LORD" encompasses God's character, His divine attributes, His righteous decrees, His providential dealings with humanity, and the path of life He sets forth. Singing in His ways means celebrating His very nature, His works, and the manner in which He governs the world, indicating an embrace of His divine order.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this word primarily means "weight," but figuratively conveys "splendor or copiousness." It speaks to the intrinsic worth, honor, majesty, and awe-inspiring presence of God. The "great glory of the LORD" is presented as the foundational and compelling reason for the anticipated universal worship, encompassing His inherent splendor, power, and reputation, which are so profound as to naturally elicit adoration and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD":** This clause confidently anticipates a future event where "they" (referring to the kings of the earth from the preceding verse, and by extension, all nations) will not merely acknowledge but actively and joyfully "sing" in celebration of God's character and actions. To "sing in the ways of the LORD" implies a deep, heartfelt embrace of His divine path, His righteous decrees, and His providential governance, expressing delight and adoration for His very nature and how He interacts with creation. This signifies not just intellectual assent but a profound, joyful alignment with God's will and character.
* **"for great [is] the glory of the LORD.":** This second clause provides the foundational reason and irresistible motivation for the universal praise described in the first. The "glory of the LORD" refers to His inherent majesty, splendor, weight, and honor—His manifest presence and intrinsic worth. The declaration that this glory is "great" signifies its immeasurable, awe-inspiring, and compelling nature, which is so profound that it naturally elicits worship and adoration from all who perceive it. It is God's intrinsic worth and manifest presence that draws all creation to Himself in worship, making their praise an inevitable and fitting response.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 138:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of universal worship. The primary device is **Anticipation**, as the verse looks forward to a future eschatological time when all nations will acknowledge God's greatness, creating a sense of hopeful expectation and prophetic certainty. This anticipation is coupled with **Hyperbole**, as the idea of "all the kings of the earth" singing in the ways of the LORD can be understood as a hyperbolic expression for the universal and complete recognition of God's sovereignty, emphasizing the immense scope of His future reign and the comprehensive nature of the praise. The phrase "the ways of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "ways" stands for God's character, His divine laws, His actions, and His providential dealings with humanity. The act of "singing" serves as powerful **Symbolism** for joyful, unreserved worship, heartfelt submission, and enthusiastic celebration. Finally, the declaration of God's "great glory" is a profound statement of **Divine Attribute**, highlighting a core characteristic of God that is inherently compelling and serves as the ultimate motivation for universal adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 138:5 stands as a profound declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and the eschatological hope of universal worship. It underscores the biblical truth that God's glory is not confined to a single nation or people group but is destined to be recognized by all peoples, drawing them into joyful adoration. This vision aligns seamlessly with the broader prophetic narrative of the Old Testament, where Israel's unique relationship with God ultimately serves as a conduit through which all nations will come to know and worship Him. The "great glory of the LORD" is presented as the irresistible force that compels this universal recognition, demonstrating that true worship is a natural, inevitable, and joyous response to the revelation of God's inherent majesty, power, and faithfulness. This verse reminds believers that their present worship is not merely an isolated act but a participation in a grand, unfolding cosmic drama—a foretaste of a future reality where all creation will bow before the King of kings.

* [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the Ends of the World Shall Remember and Turn to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All Nations Shall Worship You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 138:5 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God's plan is ultimately triumphant, and His glory will be universally acknowledged, regardless of present circumstances or opposition. This truth should fill us with unwavering hope and inspire us to live lives that authentically reflect the greatness of the God we serve. Our worship, whether expressed individually in quiet devotion or corporately in congregational praise, is not merely a private act but a participation in a grand, unfolding narrative of cosmic adoration. We are called to embody the joy of "singing in the ways of the LORD," finding deep delight in His character, His righteous commands, and His providential care in every aspect of our lives. By living righteously, speaking truthfully, and testifying to His goodness and faithfulness, we actively contribute to the revelation of His glory in a world that desperately needs to see and acknowledge it. This verse challenges us to consider how our daily lives can become a living testament to the "great glory of the LORD," drawing others to join in the inevitable and joyful chorus of universal praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the anticipation of universal worship in this verse deepen your personal worship and expand your understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **Beyond formal acts of worship, what does it practically mean for you to "sing in the ways of the LORD" in your daily life and decisions?**
* **In what specific, tangible ways can you contribute to the recognition and celebration of God's "great glory" within your family, community, and sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that all people will be saved?**

Answer: While Psalms 138:5 anticipates a universal recognition and praise of the LORD by "all the kings of the earth" and, by extension, all nations, it does not explicitly state that all individuals will be saved in a soteriological sense. Rather, it speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's sovereignty and the undeniable revelation of His glory, which will compel a form of acknowledgment or worship from all creation. This can be understood as a prophetic vision of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom, where His authority is universally recognized, even if not all individuals personally enter into a saving relationship with Him. Other passages, such as [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Every Tongue Confess"), also speak of universal bowing and confession, which can encompass both willing adoration and compelled submission to God's ultimate authority.

**What are "the ways of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The ways of the LORD" (Hebrew: _derek_ H1870) refers comprehensively to God's character, His righteous path, His divine decrees, His moral standards, and His providential dealings with humanity. It encompasses the entirety of His revealed will and the manner in which He governs the world. To "sing in the ways of the LORD" means to joyfully celebrate and embrace His nature, His commands, and His actions. It implies finding delight and expressing praise for the very essence of who God is and how He operates in the world, as revealed in His Word and in history. This concept is central to biblical wisdom literature, which often calls believers to walk in God's ways, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord and Acknowledge Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 138:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment and perfect revelation of the "glory of the LORD," for in Him, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus also declares Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), meaning that to "sing in the ways of the LORD" is to joyfully walk in Christ, embracing His teachings, following His example, and trusting in His atoning sacrifice. The universal praise anticipated in this psalm is realized through Christ's triumphant resurrection and ascension, which breaks down all barriers between peoples and draws all nations to Himself. The New Testament envisions a future where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Every Tongue Confess")). Thus, the song in the ways of the LORD becomes the song of the Lamb, uniting a redeemed humanity from every tribe and tongue in adoration of God's great glory, fully revealed and perfectly expressed in His Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Psalms 21:5

His glory [is] great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.