Psalms 138:2-8

2 I face your holy Temple, bow down, and praise your name because of your constant love and faithfulness, because you have shown that your name and your commands are supreme.

3 You answered me when I called to you; with your strength you strengthened me.

4 All the kings in the world will praise you, Lord, because they have heard your promises.

5 They will sing about what you have done and about your great glory.

6 Even though you are so high above, you care for the lowly, and the proud cannot hide from you.

7 When I am surrounded by troubles, you keep me safe. You oppose my angry enemies and save me by your power.

8 You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun.

Psalms 138:2-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 138

\\<>\\. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by David upon his being advanced to the throne; on account of which he praises the Lord, who had supported him under many exercises, and had made good his promise to him, at least in part; and he firmly believed the accomplishment of the rest, that he would perfect what concerned him, Ps 138:8. It seems as if this psalm was composed between his being king over Judah and over all Israel. Though Theodoret understands the psalm as a thanksgiving of the Jews upon their return from Babylon, which David prophesied of. The Syriac version calls it a thanksgiving with a prophecy; as indeed it is a prophecy of the Messiah's kingdom, and of the calling of the Gentiles in the latter day, as appears from Ps 138:4.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Probable text] your name and your commands are supreme; [Hebrew] your command is greater than all your name.