1 [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great [is] the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Overview of Psalm 138
Psalm 138 is a hymn of thanksgiving attributed to David. This psalm expresses gratitude to God for His faithfulness and love, highlighting the relationship between the psalmist and the divine. It reflects themes of worship, divine assistance, and the importance of God’s word.
Structure of the Psalm
The psalm can be divided into several distinct sections that highlight different themes:
- Verses 1-3: A declaration of praise and thanksgiving.
- Verses 4-5: A proclamation of God’s greatness among the nations.
- Verses 6-8: A reflection on God’s humility and the assurance of His help.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Declaration of Praise
In the opening verses, the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to worship God. The use of the phrase “with my whole heart” emphasizes sincerity and total devotion.
- Wholehearted Worship: The psalmist’s intent is to worship not just in ritual, but with genuine emotion and dedication.
- Public Acknowledgment: The mention of worshiping “before the gods” suggests a public declaration of faith, contrasting the true God with false idols.
- Gratitude for Answered Prayer: The psalmist acknowledges that God has answered his prayers, reinforcing the theme of divine responsiveness.
Verses 4-5: Proclamation of God’s Greatness
These verses shift the focus to the nations, affirming that all kings will praise God for His glory and faithfulness.
- Universal Recognition: The psalmist anticipates a time when all nations will recognize God’s sovereignty.
- God’s Word: The emphasis on God’s word highlights its power and the importance of divine revelation in guiding people.
Verses 6-8: Reflection on God’s Humility and Assurance
The concluding verses reflect on God’s nature and His relationship with the humble and the proud.
- God’s Care for the Lowly: The psalmist notes that God regards the humble, showcasing His compassion and mercy.
- Divine Protection: The assurance that God will preserve the psalmist reinforces the theme of divine support in times of trouble.
- Commitment to Fulfill His Purpose: The final verse expresses confidence that God will complete what He has begun, emphasizing His faithfulness.
Thematic Elements
- Thanksgiving: The central theme is gratitude for God’s intervention and support.
- Worship and Praise: The importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth is emphasized throughout the psalm.
- Divine Sovereignty: The recognition of God’s authority over all nations and His ultimate plan is a recurring motif.
- Humility: The contrast between the humble and the proud serves as a reminder of the value of humility in the sight of God.
Conclusion
Psalm 138 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, worship, and reliance on God. It encapsulates the essence of a faithful relationship with the divine, marked by acknowledgment of God’s greatness and a commitment to praise Him wholeheartedly.
