1 <Of David.> I will give you praise with all my heart: I will make melody to you before the gods.
2 I will give worship before your holy Temple, praising your name for your mercy and for your unchanging faith: for you have made your word greater than all your name.
3 When my cry came to your ears you gave me an answer, and made me great with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth will give you praise, O Lord, when the words of your mouth come to their ears.
5 They will make songs about the ways of the Lord; for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord is high, he sees those who are low; and he has knowledge from far off of those who are lifted up.
7 Even when trouble is round me, you will give me life; your hand will be stretched out against the wrath of my haters, and your right hand will be my salvation.
8 The Lord will make all things complete for me: O Lord, your mercy is eternal; do not give up the works of your hands.
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Commentary on Psalms 138 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 138
Ps 138:1-8. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.
1. I will praise thee with my whole heart—(Compare Ps 9:1).
before the gods—whether angels (Ps 8:5); or princes (Ex 21:6; Ps 82:6); or idols (Ps 97:7); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.
2. (Compare Ps 5:7).
thy word above all thy name—that is, God's promise (2Sa 7:12-16), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Ps 68:29, 31; Isa 4:3).
5. for great is the glory—or, "when the glory shall be great," in God's fulfilling His purposes of redemption.
6, 7. On this general principle of God's government (Isa 2:11; 57:15; 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies.
knoweth afar off—their ways and deserts (Ps 1:6).
8. God will fulfil His promise.