Bible Commentaries
Psalms 138

Verses 1-8

Psalms 138

Praising God Scripture v. 1-8:

The following 8 Psalms , 138-145, are all songs of praise written by David, called forth by the Lord’s promise to preserve his house and throne forever, as related to him Through the prophet Nathan, 2 Samuel 7 and Psalms 72. These next 8 psalms are all written In first person, in priority praise to Jehovah God. They are Davidic Psalms.

Verse 1 declares that the psalmist David will praise the Lord, with his whole heart, all his affections, in absolute sincerity, 2 Chronicles 5:13; Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalms 18:49; Psalms 81:1. He adds that it will be done before the gods, the idols, idol worshipers and heathen rulers, without any shame on his part, Psalms 119:40; Psalms 119:46.

Verse 2 adds that he will "worship toward thy holy temple (in Jerusalem) and praise thy name for thy loving kindness," and his truth fulfills it, Psalms 25:10; 2 Samuel 7:28; 1 Kings 8:20. He continues "For thou hast magnified thy word (of truth) above all thy name," or above your honor, Isaiah 42:21; 2 Samuel 7:10-29. See also Genesis 22:5; Psalms 5:7; Matthew 4:5; Psalms 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:4.

Verse 3 witnesses that "In the day when I (David) cried thou answeredest me, and strengthened me," with strength in my soul, Exodus 15:25; 2 Samuel 22:40; Ephesians 3:20; Zechariah 10:12; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalms 18:29; Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Verse 4 asserts, "all the kings (rulers) of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth," and realize that what He promises He performs. Then shall all fall down before Him, Philippians 2:11.

Verse 5 adds, "yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord; for great is (exists) the glory of the Lord," as witnessed Psalms 145:7; Psalms 18:30; Exodus 24:17.

Verse 6 states that "Though the Lord be high (exalted), yet hath he respect unto the lowly," even as David was lifted from a sheepfold to be a king, Psalms 113:4-8. It is added, "But the proud he knoweth afar off," those who are enemies of Him and His people, Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Luke 16:26; Matthew 25:41; Psalms 73:27; Jeremiah 12:2. His respect for the lowly is further related 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Psalms 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; James 5:5.

Verse 7 acknowledges that, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me," a promise he had made to the afflicted, Job 11:16; Psalms 23:3-4; Isaiah 43:2; Job 13:15; Job 19:25-26. He added, "Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies," to help me, Deuteronomy 33:29; "And thy right hand (of power strength) shall save me," Deuteronomy 5:15; Psalms 27:1; see also Psalms 30:3; Psalms 71:13; Psalms 60:5.

Verse 8 concludes, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me," to the hour of judgment. This is Divine security’s pledge, Psalms 57:2; Isaiah 26:12; Philippians 1:6. He added, "Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth (continually) for ever," Psalms 103:17. His final appeal is, "Forsake not the works of thine own hands," of raising up, securing mine own house forever, Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalms 27:9.