Psalms 138
Psalm 138 is classified as a psalm of David and begins with wholehearted gratitude and praise offered to God. Beyond the personal experience of salvation, this psalm includes a future vision in which the nations of the world will praise God. The overall structure is divided broadly into three parts. First (verses 1–3), the psalmist gives thanks to God with all his heart and confesses his trust in God, who hears prayers amid difficulties. Then (verses 4–6), he foretells that even the kings of the nations will acknowledge God’s greatness and praise Him. Finally (verses 7–8), the psalmist trusts in the hand of God who protects him even in hardship, and confesses that God’s plan for his life will be fully fulfilled.
1verseBy David. I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.
2verseI will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
3verseIn the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
4verseAll the kings of the earth will give you thanks, LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5verseYes, they will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the LORD’s glory is great!
6verseFor though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
7verseThough I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
8verseThe LORD will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, LORD, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
The Main Meaning and Message of the Text
The central message of this psalm is awe and confidence in God, along with His faithful guidance. The psalmist remembers God’s grace, His responses, and His protection revealed in his life, and offers thanks. He also declares that God will be exalted among all people. In particular, in verse 6 he highlights God’s kindness toward those who approach Him sincerely, as he reveals God’s character of looking upon the lowly and His resolve to keep the proud at a distance. The psalmist concludes the psalm with confidence that God will complete the work He has begun, and with a heart that trusts that God’s love endures forever.
Points for Reflection
- As I remember the grace God has given me and that He listens to my prayers, am I moving forward with a thankful heart?
- How should I understand that God’s guidance and protection mean not only salvation for me, but also a great salvation that will come to every nation and people group?
- Let us think about how we can put into practice, in a concrete way, that God draws near to the humble and keeps the proud far away in my own life.
Putting It into Practice for Me
- When I face suffering or hardship, let us live a life like Psalm 138—praying to God with all our heart and trusting in His response with gratitude.
- Let us live as people of faith who remember God’s grace and guidance given to my life day by day, confess it with our lips, and practice it in everyday life.
