Psalm 138:3-8

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.

Psalm 138:3-8 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.