Psalms 138

You answered me when I called

give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.a ²I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.b ³As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.c

⁴Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. ⁵Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. ⁶Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.d

⁷Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.e ⁸The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.f

Commentary

Psalm 138 is a psalm of David that bursts with thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalmist vows to praise God with his whole heart, even before the gods or heavenly beings, because God has answered his cry and strengthened his soul. David anticipates a futur

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Bible Dictionary· Psalms 138(7)

Bow Hand Honor Right Strength The Way Worship

References· Psalms 138

a: v.1 — The supremacy of David's seed frightens kings: Matthew 2:2; Psalms 111:1, Psalms 95:3, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Psalms 86:12-13, Psalms 96:4, Psalms 119:46, Psalms 82:6, John 10:34-36, Psalms 9:1, Psalms 82:1
b: v.2 — Matthew 5:18, Psalms 56:10, Isaiah 42:21, Matthew 24:35, Psalms 56:4, Psalms 28:2, Psalms 5:7, 1 Kings 8:29-30, John 1:17, Psalms 100:4-5
c: v.3 — 1 Peter 5:10, Psalms 18:6, Psalms 34:4-6, Zechariah 10:12, Isaiah 40:29-31, Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, Psalms 27:14, Psalms 29:11
d: v.6 — Psalms 113:5-6, 1 Samuel 2:7-8, Isaiah 57:15, Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, Isaiah 66:2, Luke 14:11, Daniel 4:37, Luke 18:14, Luke 1:48
e: v.7 — Isaiah 41:10, Psalms 23:3-4, Psalms 71:20-21, Psalms 85:6, Acts 2:33, Isaiah 5:25, Micah 7:8-10, Psalms 144:1-2, Job 13:15, Job 19:25-26
f: v.8 — Philippians 1:6, Psalms 57:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Isaiah 26:12, Psalms 136:1, Psalms 103:17, Jeremiah 32:39-40, 1 Peter 4:19, Psalms 71:17-18, Isaiah 43:21

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