Bible Commentaries
Psalms 138

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The Psalmist is here at his devotions, with his hymn of praise. He not only blesseth God himself, but he utters a prophecy (no doubt, in allusion to the days of the gospel) that all the great ones of the earth shall bless him; and he closeth the psalm with declaring his assurance that the Lord, who had begun grace in his heart, would perfect it in glory.

A Psalm of David.

Verses 1-2

These are short, but most expressive words. Nothing, he saith, shall put his soul out of order in blessing the Lord; even in the presence of all the dunghill-gods of the earth, will he praise the Lord. But what I particularly request the Reader to remark with me, in these words, is the gospel strain of them. David considered himself, one of those whom Jesus makes his people; I mean, kings and priests unto God and the Father. Moses declared that the Israel of God should be unto him a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation: and the gospel of Christ confirms it. See Exodus 19:6 ; Revelation 1:5-6 ; 1 Peter 2:9 . Hence when believing souls see Jesus, who is our New Testament temple, and of whom the Old Testament temple was but a type; they are made priests to God and the Father, in Christ Jesus; and in and through their great High Priest, they are permitted, nay commanded, to draw nigh with boldness, Hebrews 10:19-21 . One observation more meets us in these verses: David saith, Jehovah hath magnified his word above all his name: Is not this the uncreated Word, even Jesus? Surely Jehovah hath made his dear, and ever-blessed Son most glorious, above all the other discoveries of his love! Oh! how sweet to trace Christ through whatever part of the sacred volume!

Verse 3

Is this the person of Jesus, of whom the prophet speaks? Jesus, we know, in the days of his flesh, offered up strong cries and tears, and was heard, in that he feared, Hebrews 5:7 ; Psalms 89:26 . And may we not, even every child of God in Jesus, take comfort also in the same assurance, when we cry to the Lord in his name? John 14:13 .

Verses 4-5

Scripture best explains scripture. Interpreting what is here said in reference to the days of Christ, the whole is confirmed. Psalms 72:10-11 .

Verses 6-8

All believers in Christ can set their seal to these blessed truths. God's poor must be in his remembrance; they are his property, and they shall be his care. The Lord will perfect and make good all his promises concerning them. Exercised his people must be; but forgotten they shall not be. The Lord saith to each, and to all, as he said to Jacob, I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of, Genesis 28:15 . See the Apostle's blessed conclusion from the same, Philippians 1:6 .

Verse 8

REFLECTIONS

MY soul! learn a lesson this day from David; and looking up to God the Spirit to enable thee to carry what thou hast learned into continual practice, determine from henceforth to praise thy God and Saviour in the presence of all men. Make it thy uniform practice to know nothing among men, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Let all the world know whose thou art, and to whom thou dust belong. Be not ashamed to have it said, Jesus hath bought thee with his blood; but glorify him in thy body, and in thy spirit, which are his. And oh thou blessed Saviour, give me the same confidence as thy servant David had. Wherefore should Old Testament saints, who saw thy day but afar off, have lived more by faith upon thee, than New Testament believers, who have seen thy redemption-work completed? Let it make me blush, if their faith exceeds mine. And! thou holy Father! hath it pleased thee to magnify thy Word above all thy name! cause me then, by the sweet influences of thy Holy Spirit, to glorify thee in Jesus above all. Oh! for grace to have such views of Jesus as the Father hath set forth in his holy word; and so to live upon Jesus, and trust in Jesus, that with the apostle I may daily sing the song of holy confidence and joy; crying out, Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ.