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Psalms 138:2-4 World English Bible (WEB)

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, And give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; For you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.

3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, For they have heard the words of your mouth.

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.