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 138:6–8. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
David here comforts himself with three things: -
I.The favour God bears to his humble people (Psa 138:6):
Though the Lord be high, and neither needs any of his creatures nor can be benefited by them, yet has he respect unto the lowly, smiles upon them as well pleased with them, overlooks heaven and earth to cast a gracious look upon them (Isa 57:15; Isa 66:1), and, sooner or later, he will put honour upon them, while he knows the proud afar off, knows them, but disowns them and rejects them, how proudly soever they pretend to his favour. Dr. Hammond makes this to be the sum of that gospel which the kings of the earth shall hear and welcome - that penitent sinners shall be accepted of God, but the impenitent cast out; witness the instance of the Pharisee and the publican, Lu. 18.
II.The care God takes of his afflicted oppressed people, Psa 138:7.
David, though a great and good man, expects to walk in the midst of trouble, but encourages himself with hope,
1.That God would comfort him: "When my spirit is ready to sink and fail, thou shalt revive me, and make me easy and cheerful under my troubles." Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us even when we walk in the midst of troubles and are ready to die away for fear.
2.That he would protect him, and plead his cause: "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand, though not against my enemies to destroy them, yet against the wrath of my enemies, to restrain that and set bounds to it." 3. That he would in due time work deliverance for him: Thy right hand shall save me. As he has one hand to stretch out against his enemies, so he has another to save his own people. Christ is the right hand of the Lord, that shall save all those who serve him.
III.The assurance we have that whatever good work God has begun in and for his people he will perform it (Psa 138:8): The Lord will perfect that which concerns me,
1.That which is most needful for me; and he knows best what is so. We are careful and cumbered about many things that do not concern us, but he knows what are the things that really are of consequence to us (Mat 6:32) and he will order them for the best.
2.That which we are most concerned about. Every good man is most concerned about his duty to God and his happiness in God, that the former may be faithfully done and the latter effectually secured; and if indeed these are the things that our hearts are most upon, and concerning which we are most solicitous, there is a good work begun in us, and he that has begun it will perfect it, we may be confident he will, Phi 1:6. Observe, (1.) What ground the psalmist builds this confidence upon: Thy mercy, O Lord! endures for ever. This he had made very much the matter of his praise (Psa 13:6), and therefore he could here with the more assurance make it the matter of his hope. For, if we give God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort of it. Our hopes that we shall persevere must be founded, not upon our own strength, for that will fail us, but upon the mercy of God, for that will not fail. It is well pleaded, "Lord, thy mercy endures for ever; let me be for ever a monument of it." (2.) What use he makes of this confidence; it does not supersede, but quicken prayer; he turns his expectation into a petition: "Forsake not, do not let go, the work of thy own hands. Lord, I am the work of thy own hands, my soul is so, do not forsake me; my concerns are so, do not lay by thy care of them." Whatever good there is in us it is the work of God's own hands; he works in us both to will and to do; it will fail if he forsake it; but his glory, as Jehovah, a perfecting God, is so much concerned in the progress of it to the end that we may in faith pray, "Lord, do not forsake it." Whom he loves he loves to the end; and, as for God, his work is perfect.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"You, Lord, shall recompense for me" [Psalm 138:8]. I recompense not: You shall recompense. Let mine enemies rage their full: You shall recompense what I cannot...."Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves," says the Apostle, "but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." [Romans 12:19] There is here another sense not to be neglected, perhaps even to be preferred. "Lord" Christ, "You shall repay for me." For I, if I repay, have seized; You have paid what You have not seized. Lord, You shall "repay for me." Behold Him repaying for us. They came to Him, who exacted tribute: [Matthew 17:24-26] they used to demand as tribute a didrachma, that is, two drachmas for one man; they came to the Lord to pay tribute; or rather, not to Him, but to His disciples, and they said to them, "Does not your Master pay tribute?" They came and told Him. He says unto Peter, "lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first comes up: and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a stater: that take, and give for Me and you." The first that rises from the sea, is the First-begotten from the dead. In His mouth we find two didrachmas, that is, four drachmas: in His mouth we find the four Gospels. By those four drachmas we are free from the claims of this world, by the four Evangelists we remain no longer debtors; for there the debt of all our sins is paid. He then has repaid for us, thanks to His mercy. He owed nothing: He repaid not for Himself: He repaid for us....
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Summary
Psalm 138:8 is a profound declaration of unwavering trust and a fervent prayer, encapsulating the psalmist's deep confidence in God's steadfast faithfulness and eternal mercy. It articulates the divine commitment to bring to perfect completion all that pertains to the believer's life, firmly rooted in the immutable character of God. This verse serves as both an affirmation of divine providence and a humble plea for God's continued involvement in the life of His creation, assuring the believer that the Creator will not abandon His own handiwork.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, expressing profound gratitude for God's personal intervention and answered prayer. It opens with David's vow to praise the LORD "before the gods" (likely referring to earthly rulers or angelic beings), highlighting God's supreme authority and the universal reach of His glory. The preceding verses detail God's attentiveness to the humble, His empowering strength, and His glorious reputation among all kings of the earth who will hear of His ways. Verse 8 acts as a powerful capstone to this expression of trust, affirming God's commitment to His people, even as the psalm transitions to acknowledge future challenges and the need for God's sustaining hand. The declaration of God's enduring mercy in Psalm 138 echoes a recurring theme throughout the Psalter, often found in psalms of praise and lament, reinforcing the bedrock of God's covenantal faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context
While specific historical details for Psalm 138 are not explicitly provided, its attribution to David places it within the context of the Israelite monarchy. David, as king, often faced opposition from both internal and external forces, necessitating a deep reliance on divine intervention and a personal relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "works of thine own hands" resonates with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a deity's personal investment in their creation and chosen people. Kings in this era often boasted of their achievements and power, but David consistently attributes his success, protection, and well-being to the LORD, emphasizing a covenant relationship where God is actively involved in the affairs of His chosen servant and nation. The mention of "kings of the earth" in Psalm 138:4 suggests a context where God's reputation extends beyond Israel, impacting the broader geopolitical landscape of the time.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Faithfulness and Providence, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to complete what He begins in the lives of His people. This is not merely a passive hope but an active expectation of God's perfect execution of His purposes. Secondly, the declaration of God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed) is central, portraying His loyal, covenantal love as the eternal foundation for His faithfulness. This divine attribute is consistently invoked as the basis for Israel's hope and God's continued grace, as seen in numerous psalms like Psalm 100:5. Finally, the plea "forsake not the works of thine own hands" highlights Humble Dependence and God's Ownership, acknowledging humanity as God's unique creation and appealing to His vested interest in His handiwork. This theme resonates with the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, where humanity is depicted as the pinnacle of God's creative work.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies bringing something to an end, completion, or fulfillment. It implies God's active role in performing or accomplishing His purposes, ensuring that His divine work is brought to its intended, flawless conclusion. It conveys the idea that God does not leave His work unfinished or abandon His commitments, but rather ensures its full and proper realization.
Often translated as "steadfast love," "loving-kindness," or "covenant loyalty," chesed describes God's loyal, unfailing kindness that is eternally binding. It is a foundational attribute of God's character, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Its enduring nature ("for ever") provides the ultimate assurance for the psalmist's confidence in God's completion of His work, signifying an unchanging and reliable divine benevolence.
While literally referring to the physical hand, yad is used extensively in scripture to denote power, agency, means, and creative ability. When referring to God's "hands," it powerfully symbolizes His direct involvement, sovereign power, and personal craftsmanship in creation and in the lives of individuals. To be "the works of thine own hands" signifies a profound relationship of ownership and intimate care, implying that God has a vested interest in sustaining and completing what He has initiated and personally formed.
Verse Breakdown
"The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me"
This opening clause is a bold declaration of faith, expressing the psalmist's absolute confidence in Yahweh's active and sovereign involvement in his life. The verb "perfect" (gamar) conveys the idea of bringing to completion, fulfilling, or accomplishing. It signifies that God will not leave any matter pertaining to the psalmist's life unfinished or unresolved according to His divine purpose. This is a statement of divine providence, assuring the believer that God is committed to seeing His plans and purposes for them through to their ultimate, perfect conclusion, regardless of present difficulties or apparent incompleteness.
"thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever"
This phrase provides the theological bedrock for the preceding declaration. The psalmist grounds his confidence in God's eternal attribute of chesed (mercy/steadfast love). This is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring, covenantal loyalty that is foundational to God's character and His relationship with His people. The phrase "for ever" (olam) emphasizes the perpetual, unchanging nature of this divine love, ensuring that God's commitment to perfect His work is not subject to temporal limitations or human failings. It is an eternal guarantee, providing an unshakeable basis for trust.
"forsake not the works of thine own hands"
This concluding clause transitions from a declaration of faith to a humble, yet fervent, prayer. It is an appeal to God's character as Creator and Sustainer. By referring to himself as "the works of thine own hands," the psalmist acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and personal investment in his life. The plea "forsake not" is not born of doubt in God's ability, but of a deep understanding of human frailty and a humble reliance on God's continued grace and active presence. It's a recognition that without God's ongoing sustaining power, even His "perfecting" work might seem to falter from a human perspective. It is a prayer for perseverance, divine commitment, and a continued intimate relationship with the Creator.
Literary Devices
Psalm 138:8 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is a Declaration of Trust, where the psalmist boldly asserts God's future action ("The LORD will perfect") as a certainty, not a mere hope. This is immediately followed by a Statement of Divine Attribute ("thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever"), which serves as the theological foundation and justification for the preceding trust. This juxtaposition creates a powerful logical flow, grounding human confidence in divine character. The concluding phrase, "forsake not the works of thine own hands," functions as a poignant Apostrophe (addressing God directly) and a humble Plea, simultaneously acknowledging God's creative ownership and appealing to His faithfulness. This phrase also contains Metonymy, where "hands" represents God's creative power, personal involvement, and sovereign craftsmanship. The entire verse is structured as a subtle Chiasm in its thematic movement: A (God's perfecting work for the psalmist), B (God's eternal mercy), A' (God's continued care for His handiwork), reinforcing the interconnectedness of God's character and His actions, demonstrating that God's eternal nature undergirds His commitment to His creation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 138:8 articulates a profound theological truth: God is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This concept of divine perseverance is not limited to the individual but extends to God's redemptive plan for humanity and creation. The psalmist's confidence is rooted in God's unchanging nature, particularly His eternal chesed (steadfast love). This divine attribute guarantees that God's purposes will never be thwarted and that His commitment to His people is unwavering. The verse also underscores the biblical understanding of humanity as God's handiwork, implying a divine responsibility and vested interest in the well-being and ultimate destiny of His creation. This relationship of Creator to created forms the basis for the psalmist's humble plea, recognizing that human flourishing is entirely dependent on God's continued grace and active involvement in their lives.
Reflection and Application
For believers navigating the complexities of life, Psalm 138:8 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a template for prayer. It calls us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfinished from our perspective. The promise that "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me" encourages us to surrender our anxieties and uncertainties to His capable hands, knowing that His work is always thorough, purposeful, and ultimately for our good and His glory. This verse reminds us that our hope is not founded on our own strength, merit, or fleeting emotions, but on the immutable character of God – specifically, His eternal chesed. When we feel inadequate, broken, or lost, the concluding plea, "forsake not the works of thine own hands," serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent value as God's creation and His deep, personal investment in our lives. It invites us to pray with humble dependence, acknowledging our reliance on His ongoing grace and power to sustain us, guide us, and ultimately bring us to His intended completion. Embracing this truth fosters resilience, peace, and a deeper intimacy with our faithful Creator.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "perfect" in this verse mean I will become sinless in this life?
No, the Hebrew word "gamar" (H1584) translated as "perfect" here primarily means to bring to an end, complete, or fulfill. It refers to God's divine work being brought to its intended conclusion, not necessarily human sinless perfection in this earthly life. While God does work to sanctify believers, the context here emphasizes God's faithfulness to accomplish His purposes and plans concerning the psalmist's life and destiny, rather than an immediate state of moral flawlessness. It speaks to God's commitment to finish what He starts, aligning with the New Testament idea that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What is the significance of God's "mercy" enduring forever?
The enduring nature of God's "mercy" (Hebrew chesed, H2617) is absolutely foundational to the psalmist's confidence. Chesed denotes God's steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty. Its eternal quality means God's commitment to His people is unwavering, not subject to change, human failing, or the passage of time. This eternal mercy is the guarantee that God will indeed "perfect that which concerneth me" and "forsake not the works of thine own hands." It assures us that God's faithfulness is rooted in His very character, providing an unshakeable basis for trust, as frequently affirmed in scripture, such as in Psalm 100:5.
How can I be sure God won't "forsake the works of His own hands" in my life?
The assurance that God will not forsake the works of His own hands is rooted in His character and His covenant faithfulness, supremely demonstrated in Jesus Christ. As the Creator, God has a vested interest in His handiwork. The New Testament reinforces this by revealing God's ultimate commitment through Jesus Christ. If God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? (See Romans 8:32). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, serving as a seal and a guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it (See Ephesians 1:13-14). God's commitment is not based on our perfection, but on His perfect love and sovereign plan for those He has called and redeemed, ensuring He will never abandon those He has purchased by the blood of His Son.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Psalm 138:8 is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness in the Old Testament, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "perfecting" work of God, which concerns believers, culminates in our redemption and sanctification through Christ. He is the one who perfectly accomplished the will of the Father, bringing to completion God's plan for salvation, declaring "It is finished" on the cross (John 19:30). The "mercy" (chesed) of the LORD, which endures forever, is most vividly demonstrated in God's willingness to send His Son to die for a fallen humanity, proving His love for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "work of God's own hands," the unique Son, perfectly reflecting the Father's glory and carrying out His purposes (Hebrews 1:3). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ ensures that God will never forsake those who are "in Christ," for they are now new creations, God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). Thus, the psalmist's trust finds its secure anchor in the finished work of Jesus, who guarantees God's enduring faithfulness to bring His children to their glorious, eternal completion.