Psalms 138
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1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
PSALM 138
Psa 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 Psa 9:1).
before the gods--whether angels (Psa 8:5); or princes (Ex 21:6; Psa 82:6); or idols (Psa 97:7); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.
2I 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.
2. (Compare Psa 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.
3In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
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 (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).
4All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
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 (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).
5Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
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 (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).
6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
6-7. On this general principle of God's government (Is 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 (Psa 1:6).
7Though 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.
6-7. On this general principle of God's government (Is 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 (Psa 1:6).
8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
8. God will fulfil His promise.