Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

All the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} shall praise {H3034} thee, O LORD {H3068}, when they hear {H8085} the words {H561} of thy mouth {H6310}.

All the kings of the earth will thank you, ADONAI, when they hear the words you have spoken.

All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.

All the kings of the earth shall give thee thanks, O Jehovah, For they have heard the words of thy mouth.

Commentary

Psalm 138:4 is a powerful prophetic declaration, shifting from King David's personal thanksgiving to a grand vision of universal worship. It speaks to a future time when even the most powerful earthly rulers will acknowledge and praise the God of Israel.

Context

Psalm 138 is a psalm of David, expressing profound gratitude for God's faithfulness and answered prayer (Psalm 138:1-3). Having experienced God's personal deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises, David's perspective expands beyond himself and his nation. In verse 4, he looks forward to a time when God's glory will be so undeniable that it compels recognition from all the world's leaders. This vision is rooted in David's understanding of God's supreme authority over all creation and nations, a theme often echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalm 2:10-11, which urges kings to serve the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sovereignty of God: The verse highlights God's ultimate dominion over all earthly powers. No king, no matter how mighty, is beyond the reach of God's influence or His eventual judgment and glory. This points to a global acknowledgment of His reign, a concept fully realized in the Messianic kingdom described in Revelation 11:15.
  • The Power of God's Word: The phrase "when they hear the words of thy mouth" is central. 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 transformative and authoritative, capable of changing hearts and minds on a global scale.
  • Prophetic Hope: This verse offers a vision of future peace and unity under God's rule, a hope that transcends the immediate circumstances of David's time. It anticipates a day when idolatry and rebellion will cease, and all nations will bow before the true God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "kings of the earth" (מַלְכֵי־אֶרֶץ - malchei-eretz) specifically refers to the rulers and potentates of the world. Their praise is not coerced but comes from an act of "hearing" (שָׁמַע - shama'), which in Hebrew often implies not just auditory reception but also understanding, heeding, and obeying. The "words of thy mouth" (דִּבְרֵי־פִיךָ - divrei-picha) emphasize the direct, personal, and authoritative revelation from God Himself, underscoring the living and active power of His Word.

Practical Application

Psalm 138:4 provides immense encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that despite current global challenges or the apparent sway of secular powers, God's ultimate plan for universal recognition and worship will prevail. This verse calls us to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Have confidence that God is in control, even over the most powerful leaders and nations.
  • Proclaim God's Word: Since hearing God's words is what leads to praise, we are encouraged to share the Gospel and the truths of Scripture, knowing its transformative power.
  • Pray for Leaders: We should pray for kings, presidents, and all in authority, that they might hear and respond to God's truth, leading to righteousness and peace in their realms (1 Timothy 2:2).
  • Live as Witnesses: Our lives, lived in accordance with God's Word, can be a testament to His glory, influencing others to seek and praise Him.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 102:15 (9 votes)

    So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

  • Psalms 72:11 (6 votes)

    Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

  • Psalms 22:22 (4 votes)

    ¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

  • Psalms 22:27 (4 votes)

    All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

  • Isaiah 60:16 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Isaiah 49:23 (3 votes)

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Psalms 102:22 (3 votes)

    When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.