Psalms138
English Standard Version
1Of . I , O Lord, with my ; the I ;
2I toward your and to your your your , you have things your and your .
3On the I , you me; my of you .
4 the of the shall , O Lord, they have the of your ,
5and they shall of the of the Lord, is the of the Lord.
6 though the Lord is , he the , but the he .
7 I in the of , you preserve my ; you your the of my , and your me.
8The Lord will his me; your , O Lord, . Do the of your .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 138.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The psalmist praises God for answering prayer. (1–5). The Lord's dealing with the humble and the proud. (6–8).
vv1-5
When we can praise God with our whole heart, we need not be unwilling for the whole world to witness our gratitude and joy in him. Those who rely on his loving-kindness and truth through Jesus Christ, will ever find him faithful to his word. If he spared not his own Son, how shall he not with him freely give us all things? If God gives us strength in our souls, to bear the burdens, resist the temptations, and to do the duties of an afflicted state, if he strengthens us to keep hold of himself by faith, and to wait with patience for the event, we are bound to be thankful.
vv6-8
Though the Lord is high, yet he has respect to every lowly, humbled sinner; but the proud and unbelieving will be banished far from his blissful presence. Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us, even when we walk in the midst of troubles. And God will save his own people that they may be revived by the Holy Spirit, the Giver of life and holiness. If we give to God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort. This confidence will not do away, but quicken prayer. Whatever good there is in us, it is God works in us both to will and to do. The Lord will perfect the salvation of every true believer, and he will never forsake those whom he has created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works.
Key Words
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
יָדָה: physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands)
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֵב: the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
נֶגֶד: a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
זָמַר: play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music
שָׁחָה: to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)
קֹדֶשׁ: a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הֵיכָל: a large public building, such as a palace or temple
Cross References
Psalms 138David resolving to speak of God's testimonies and praise Him before kings or earthly powers.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The high and lofty One who dwells on high but revives and has respect to the humble.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Praising the Lord with the whole heart, reflecting sincere, undivided devotion.
Supported by JFB
God standing in the congregation of the mighty; judging among 'the gods' (rulers/angels).
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Worshipping toward God's holy temple in His fear, combining reverence with expectations of mercy.
Supported by JFB
Answering prayer not by removing the thorn, but by strengthening with inward soul grace.
Supported by Matthew Poole
God resisting the proud but giving grace and favor to the lowly.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Lord looking to the poor, contrite spirit who trembles at His word.
Supported by JFB
Believers as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The law came by Moses, but grace (lovingkindness) and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Mary's Magnificat celebrating God scattering the proud and exalting those of low degree.
Supported by John Calvin
Pleading that God would have a desire to the work of His hands.
Supported by John Calvin
Having the heart lifted up 'in the ways of the Lord' with joy.