Psalms 138:3-6

3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD, when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
6 Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.

Psalms 138:3-6 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 9

  • 1. Psalms 18:6; Psalms 30:2; Psalms 99:6; Psalms 116:4
  • 2. S Psalms 118:5
  • 3. Proverbs 28:1; S Acts 4:29
  • 4. Psalms 28:7
  • 5. Psalms 72:11; Psalms 102:15
  • 6. S Psalms 51:14; Psalms 71:16; Psalms 145:7
  • 7. Psalms 21:5
  • 8. S Psalms 113:6; Isaiah 57:15
  • 9. S Psalms 40:4; S Matthew 23:12; Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.