Christianity

Psalms 138Before the Gods Will I Sing

Summary

Psalm 138, attributed to David, is a wholehearted thanksgiving for answered prayer. The psalmist praises God before the gods and worships toward his holy temple, for in the day he cried God answered him and strengthened his soul. He foresees all the kings of the earth praising the LORD when they hear his words, because though the LORD is high, he has respect unto the lowly. He trusts God to revive him in trouble and to perfect what concerns him.

Key verse

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

Psalms 138:8

Themes

Thanksgiving
Answered Prayer
God Regards the Lowly
Completion of God's Work

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Christianity
Isaiah 57: The High and Lofty One
Isaiah 57:15 describes the high and lofty One who also dwells with the contrite and humble, the same paradox stated in Psalm 138:6.
Christianity
Philippians 1: He Will Perform It
Paul's confidence in Philippians 1:6 that God will complete the good work he began echoes Psalm 138:8, that the LORD will perfect what concerns his servant.

Questions about Psalms 138

What does 'thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name' mean?

Psalm 138:2 is difficult in Hebrew. It may mean that God's faithfulness to his promise has surpassed even his reputation, and translators render it in several different ways.

Who are the 'gods' before whom David sings in Psalm 138?

Psalm 138:1 may mean the gods of the nations, heavenly beings, or earthly rulers; the ancient Greek translation reads angels. In any reading, the psalmist praises the LORD openly before every rival power.