Psalms 138:1-7

1 By David: I give you thanks with all my heart. Not to idols, but to you I sing praise.

2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your grace and truth; for you have made your word [even] greater than the whole of your reputation.

3 When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and strong.

4 All the kings of the earth will thank you, ADONAI, when they hear the words you have spoken.

5 They will sing about ADONAI's ways, "Great is the glory of ADONAI!"

6 For though ADONAI is high, he cares for the lowly; while the proud he perceives from afar.

7 You keep me alive when surrounded by danger; you put out your hand when my enemies rage; with your right hand you save me.

Psalms 138:1-7 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.