Psalms 138

Psalms 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 Psalms 9:1 ).
before the gods--whether angels ( Psalms 8:5 ); or princes ( Exodus 21:6 , Psalms 82:6 ); or idols ( Psalms 97:7 ); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.

2. (Compare Psalms 5:7 ).
thy word above all thy name--that is, God's promise ( 2 Samuel 7:12-16 ), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.

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 ( Psalms 68:29 Psalms 68:31 , Isaiah 4:3 ).

5. for great is the glory--or, "when the glory shall be great," in God's fulfilling His purposes of redemption.

6, 7. On this general principle of God's government ( Isaiah 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 ( Psalms 1:6 ).

8. God will fulfil His promise.