0. A Psalm of David.
1. I give thee thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing thy praise;
2. I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word.
3. On the day I called, thou didst answer me, my strength of soul thou didst increase.
4. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, for they have heard the words of thy mouth;
5. and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
6. For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he knows from afar.
7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me.
8. The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands.
Footnotes:
138:1-2 - The psalmist begins with a declaration of praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. He mentions the holiness of the Temple, a symbol of God's presence among His people (see also Psalm 29:2 and Isaiah 6:3).
138:3 - The psalmist testifies how God answered his prayer and gave him strength in times of trouble. This divine response reflects the character of a God who hears and acts on behalf of His servants (see also Psalm 34:17 and Philippians 4:6-7).
138:4-5 - The psalmist predicts that all the kings of the earth will praise God when they hear the words from His mouth. This verse points to the universal recognition of God's power and sovereignty (see also Isaiah 2:2-4 and Philippians 2:10-11).
138:6 - God, though exalted, cares for the humble, but keeps his distance from the proud. This emphasizes humility as an essential virtue for being in God's presence (see also Proverbs 3:34 and James 4:6).
138:7-8 - The psalmist expresses confidence that God will protect him in the midst of adversity and complete His plan for his life. God's faithfulness is a guarantee that His purpose will be fulfilled (see also Romans 8:28 and Philippians 1:6).
Verses related to Psalms, 138:
Psalm 138 is a hymn of thanksgiving and trust. How to express gratitude to God? This joyful psalm praises the Lord for His goodness, faithfulness, and answering prayers. The text declares that even the kings of the earth will praise God when they hear His words. Themes such as sincere worship, exaltation of God's name and His protection of the humble are central. Psalm 138 encourages trust in God's ongoing care. Ponder with us five verses that echo the gratitude and faith expressed in this inspiring psalm.
1 Kings 8:29: "May your eyes be open to this house day and night, to this place of which you said: My name will be there, that you may hear the prayer that your servant prays towards this place." - This passage relates to Psalm 138:2, which mentions worship aimed at God's temple.
Isaiah 57:15: "For thus says the High and Lofty One, who lives forever, and whose name is holy: 'I dwell in a high and holy place, but I also dwell with the contrite and lowly in spirit, to give new encouragement to the spirit of the humble and new breath to the heart of the contrite.'" - This verse reflects the theme of Psalm 138:6, which speaks of God looking upon the humble.
Philippians 1:6: "I am convinced that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." - This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 138:8, about God completing his purpose for the psalmist.
Daniel 10:19: "And he said: 'Do not be afraid, dearly beloved man! May peace be with you! Be strong! Be strong!' As he spoke to me, I felt strengthened and said, 'Speak, my lord, for you have given me strength.'" - This verse reflects the theme of Psalm 138:3, about God giving strength to the psalmist.
Ephesians 3:20-21: "To him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or think, according to his power that works within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, for all generations, forever and ever! Amen!" - This passage amplifies the praise and confidence expressed in Psalm 138.
FAQ:
What does "with all your heart" mean in Psalm 138?
With all your heart means sincere and total worship of God, without reservation, recognizing His greatness and power. (Psalm 138:1)
How does God respond to the humble in Psalm 138?
God responds to the humble with grace and exalts them, showing His faithfulness and kindness to those who sincerely seek Him. (Psalm 138:6)
What does Psalm 138 teach us about God's faithfulness?
Psalm 138 teaches that God's faithfulness is unchanging and that He keeps His promises, always answering the prayers of the righteous. (Psalm 138:2-3)
What is the purpose of praise in Psalm 138?
The praise in Psalm 138 exalts God’s sovereignty, acknowledging His majesty and His care for those who fear Him and trust in His name. (Psalm 138:1-8)
How is God's word exalted in Psalm 138?
God's word is exalted as true and trustworthy, being the foundation of God's actions and promises. (Psalm 138:2)
