Psalms 138:1-3

1 1I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before 2the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down 3toward your 4holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.[b]

Psalms 138:1-3 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.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Psalms 111:1
  • 2. Psalms 95:3; Psalms 96:5
  • 3. Psalms 28:2; 1 Kings 8:29
  • 4. Psalms 5:7

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or you have exalted your word above all your name
  • [b]. Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.