Psalms 138
BSB1 I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises. 2 I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else. 3 On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth. 5 They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. 7 If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me. 8 The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.
Study Notes — Psalms 138
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 138
- Themes from Psalms 138
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 138
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 138 begins with the psalmist expressing his desire to praise God with all his heart and to worship Him in the presence of the gods, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. In Psalms 138:2, he declares that he will bow down toward God's holy temple and praise God's name for His love and faithfulness. The psalmist then reflects on how God has answered his prayers and has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. He also expresses his confidence in God's presence and care, even in the midst of enemies and challenges. The chapter concludes with the psalmist's expression of gratitude and praise to God, who has been his rock and deliverer. Key verses include Psalms 138:1-3 and Psalms 138:8, which highlight the psalmist's commitment to praise and worship God, as well as his trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 138 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on praise, worship, and thanksgiving, and it includes some of the most well-known and beloved psalms in the Bible. Psalms 138 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving, and it is likely that it was written by David, who was the king of Israel and a skilled musician and poet. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative by highlighting the importance of recognizing and responding to God's goodness and love in our lives, just as the psalmist does in this chapter.
Heart Application
As we read Psalms 138, we are reminded of the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart. We should take time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives, and we should express our gratitude and thanks to Him. We should also trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for us and that His steadfast love endures forever.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 138 is a chapter about praising and worshiping God with all our heart. The psalmist expresses his gratitude and thanks to God for His love and faithfulness, and he trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness. We can learn from the psalmist's example by taking time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives and by expressing our gratitude and thanks to Him, as seen in Psalms 138:1-3.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's desire to praise God with all his heart is a beautiful expression of the Christian's duty and delight. We should praise God with all our heart, and we should do so in the presence of the gods, acknowledging His greatness and faithfulness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty is a testament to the power and goodness of God. We should trust in God's sovereignty, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for us and that His steadfast love endures forever.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Praise (Psalms 138:1-3) — The psalmist expresses his desire to praise God with all his heart, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. He declares that he will bow down toward God's holy temple and praise God's name for His love and faithfulness.
- Reflection on God's Presence and Care (Psalms 138:4-6) — The psalmist reflects on how God has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. He also expresses his confidence in God's presence and care, even in the midst of enemies and challenges.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty (Psalms 138:7-8) — The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him. He is grateful for God's steadfast love, which endures forever, and he is confident that God will not forsake the work of His hands.
- Conclusion and Expression of Gratitude (Psalms 138:8) — The psalmist concludes the chapter by expressing his gratitude and thanks to God, who has been his rock and deliverer. He trusts in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and he is confident that God will fulfill His purpose for him.
- Final Thoughts on Praise and Worship — The chapter ends with a final expression of praise and worship, as the psalmist acknowledges God's greatness and faithfulness. We are reminded of the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart, and we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Psalms 138 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is all-powerful and all-knowing. The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for him and that His steadfast love endures forever.
- The Love and Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights the love and faithfulness of God, who is gracious and merciful. The psalmist declares that he will praise God's name for His love and faithfulness, and he is grateful for God's presence and care in his life.
- The Importance of Praise and Worship
- Psalms 138 emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart. The psalmist expresses his desire to praise God, and he encourages us to do the same, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness.
- The Trustworthiness of God's Promises
- The chapter teaches us about the trustworthiness of God's promises, which are rooted in His character and nature. The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him and that His steadfast love endures forever.
Lessons from Psalms 138
- The Importance of Praise and Worship — Psalms 138 teaches us about the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart. We should take time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives and express our gratitude and thanks to Him.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
- The Love and Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights the love and faithfulness of God, who is gracious and merciful. We should acknowledge God's love and faithfulness in our lives and express our gratitude and thanks to Him.
- The Trustworthiness of God's Promises — Psalms 138 teaches us about the trustworthiness of God's promises, which are rooted in His character and nature. We can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for us and that His steadfast love endures forever.
- The Importance of Reflection and Gratitude — The psalmist reflects on God's presence and care in his life, and he expresses his gratitude and thanks to Him. We should take time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives and express our gratitude and thanks to Him.
Themes from Psalms 138
- Praise and Worship — Psalms 138 emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart. The psalmist expresses his desire to praise God, and he encourages us to do the same, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness.
- God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness, which are rooted in His character and nature. The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for him and that His steadfast love endures forever.
- The Love and Faithfulness of God — The psalmist declares that he will praise God's name for His love and faithfulness, highlighting the importance of God's love in our lives. We should acknowledge God's love and faithfulness in our lives and express our gratitude and thanks to Him.
- Trust and Confidence in God — The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
- Gratitude and Thanksgiving — The psalmist expresses his gratitude and thanks to God, who has been his rock and deliverer. We should take time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives and express our gratitude and thanks to Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can praise and worship God with all your heart, as the psalmist does in Psalms 138:1-3?
- How has God been present and caring in your life, and how can you express your gratitude and thanks to Him?
- What are some challenges or difficulties that you are facing, and how can you trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the midst of them?
- How does the psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness encourage and inspire you, and what are some ways that you can apply this trust to your own life?
- What are some ways that you can reflect on God's goodness and love in your life, and how can you express your gratitude and thanks to Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Praise (Psalms 138:1-3)
| 138:1 | The psalmist expresses his desire to praise God with all his heart, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. |
| 138:2 | The psalmist declares that he will bow down toward God's holy temple and praise God's name for His love and faithfulness. |
| 138:3 | The psalmist reflects on how God has answered his prayers and has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. |
2. Reflection on God's Presence and Care (Psalms 138:4-6)
| 138:4 | The psalmist reflects on how God has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. |
| 138:5 | The psalmist expresses his confidence in God's presence and care, even in the midst of enemies and challenges. |
| 138:6 | The psalmist declares that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. |
3. Trust in God's Sovereignty (Psalms 138:7-8)
| 138:7 | The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him. |
| 138:8 | The psalmist is grateful for God's steadfast love, which endures forever, and he is confident that God will not forsake the work of His hands. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 138?
The main theme of Psalms 138 is praise and thanksgiving to God, who has been the psalmist's rock and deliverer. The psalmist expresses his gratitude and thanks to God for His love and faithfulness, and he trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalms 138:1-3 and Psalms 138:8.
How does the psalmist express his trust in God's sovereignty?
The psalmist expresses his trust in God's sovereignty by declaring that God will fulfill His purpose for him and that His steadfast love endures forever, as seen in Psalms 138:8. He also trusts in God's presence and care, even in the midst of enemies and challenges.
What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of Psalms 138 to our own lives?
We can apply the lessons of Psalms 138 by taking time to reflect on God's goodness and love in our lives and expressing our gratitude and thanks to Him. We can also trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for us and that His steadfast love endures forever, as seen in Psalms 138:8.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 138:1 → Psalms 111:1 | Both Psalms 138:1 and Psalms 111:1 express the psalmist's desire to praise God with all his heart, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. |
| 2 | Psalms 138:2 → Psalms 95:6 | Both Psalms 138:2 and Psalms 95:6 declare that the psalmist will bow down toward God's holy temple and praise God's name for His love and faithfulness. |
| 3 | Psalms 138:3 → Psalms 34:4 | Both Psalms 138:3 and Psalms 34:4 reflect on how God has answered the psalmist's prayers and has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. |
| 4 | Psalms 138:4 → Psalms 23:4 | Both Psalms 138:4 and Psalms 23:4 express the psalmist's confidence in God's presence and care, even in the midst of enemies and challenges. |
| 5 | Psalms 138:5 → Psalms 27:1 | Both Psalms 138:5 and Psalms 27:1 declare that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. |
| 6 | Psalms 138:6 → Isaiah 57:15 | Both Psalms 138:6 and Isaiah 57:15 declare that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. |
| 7 | Psalms 138:7 → Psalms 37:5 | Both Psalms 138:7 and Psalms 37:5 trust in God's sovereignty, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for the psalmist. |
| 8 | Psalms 138:8 → Philippians 1:6 | Both Psalms 138:8 and Philippians 1:6 express confidence in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, believing that He will fulfill His purpose for the psalmist and that His steadfast love endures forever. |
| 9 | Psalms 138:8 → Hebrews 13:5 | Both Psalms 138:8 and Hebrews 13:5 declare that God will never leave or forsake His people, and that His steadfast love endures forever. |
| 10 | Psalms 138:8 → John 1:1 | Both Psalms 138:8 and John 1:1 express the idea that God's love and faithfulness are rooted in His character and nature, and that He will fulfill His purpose for His people. |
Sermons on Psalms 138
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Faith in Perfection by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the cross as the watchword for believers. It emphasizes that the strength in battle and the boast in victory come from the cross. |
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How Do I Humble Myself? (Part 1) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in the kingdom of God. He shares a personal story of giving money to a beggar and witnessing the man's gratitude a |
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Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions between thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It highlights the significance of expressing gratitude, offering |
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Above All Things by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of exalting God's name and word above all else. The verse "You have exalted above all things your name and your word" serves a |
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Attacking Our Fear by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Schlink addresses the prevalent emotion of fear in our times. She emphasizes that conquering fear is a matter of practice, specifically the practice of dedi |
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America's Greatest Baptist Revival by Bob Doom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and its importance in the church. He references several scriptures, including Psalm 138:7 and Psalm 85:5, to highlight |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 2 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Great Commission and its connection to Pentecost. He urges pastors, evangelists, and church leaders to call the church |
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God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes how God chooses the weak, foolish, and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. It highlights the transformational powe |
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Give to Jesus Glory by Earle Maxwell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a song of testimony in our lives. He shares a personal experience of traveling in the Philippines and witnessing the |
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In the Day When I Cried by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble and not relying on human ingenuity or strength. It highlights the need for humility, acknowledging ou |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 138
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 138 emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God with all our heart. The psalmist's desire to praise God is a beautiful expression of the Christian's duty and delight. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty is a testament to the power and goodness of God, and that we should trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Henry also highlights the psalmist's reflection on God's presence and care in his life, and how this reflection should encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Ultimately, Henry argues that Psalms 138 teaches us about the importance of praising and worshiping God, trusting in His sovereignty and faithfulness, and reflecting on His goodness and love in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Psalmsist's Desire to Praise God
The psalmist begins the chapter by expressing his desire to praise God with all his heart, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which is characterized by praise, worship, and thanksgiving.
God's Presence and Care
The psalmist reflects on how God has been with him in times of trouble, giving him strength and comfort. This highlights the importance of God's presence and care in our lives, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
The Psalmsist's Trust in God's Sovereignty
The psalmist trusts in God's sovereignty, believing that God will fulfill His purpose for him. This trust is rooted in the psalmist's understanding of God's character, including His love, faithfulness, and goodness.