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Psalms 138:6
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
On this general principle of God's government (Isa 2:11; Isa 57:15; Isa 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies. knoweth afar off--their ways and deserts (Psa 1:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Though the Lord be high,.... Above all the earth, and all the nations of it, and the highest of men in it; above the heavens, and the angels there, who are his creatures and at his command; above all the blessings and praises of his saints: the perfect knowledge of him is so high as not to be attained; and his thoughts and ways are higher than ours, as the heavens are higher than the earth; he is indeed the most High, higher than the highest; see Psa 113:4. According to Arama, here begins the song, "the kings of the earth shall sing in the ways of the Lord?'' yet hath he respect unto the lowly; for good, as the Targum; that are low in their own eyes, humbled under a sense of sin, convinced, of the insufficiency of their own righteousness to justify them, and made to submit to the righteousness of Christ; ascribe the whole of their salvation to the free grace of God; patiently and quietly bear every afflictive providence; think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; and, being the followers of the lowly Jesus, learn of him, imitate him, and become like unto him: these the Lord has a gracious respect unto; he looks upon them with a look of love; he has respect to their persons in Christ, and to their sacrifices for his sake, which are those of a broken and contrite heart; he regards their prayers, though low and destitute, and gives more grace unto them; yea, he condescends to dwell with them, and in due time highly exalts them; see Isa 57:15. David may have in view his own low state and condition as a shepherd, in which he was when the Lord took him, and raised him to the throne of Israel; but the proud he knoweth afar off; the Targum adds, "to destroy them:'' such who are proud of themselves and what they have; of their wisdom and knowledge, of their strength or beauty, of their wealth and riches; or of their righteousness and holiness; of the purity and goodness of their hearts, and power of their free will, they vainly think themselves possessed of; and despise others below them in these things, or the practice of them: these the Lord takes notice of, and looks upon them at a distance with scorn and contempt; nor will he admit them to nearness to him, nay, opposes himself to them, and sooner or later abases them; see Pro 3:34. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions render it, "high things he knoweth afar off"; things too high for creatures, that are out of their reach; he sees and knows all persons and things, whether in heaven or in earth. Others render them, "and the high One knoweth afar off" (u); knows the lowly, owns and acknowledges them for his own; takes care of them, provides for them, and protects them: and then the sense is the same with the preceding clause. (u) So Pagninus; "quamvis", Junius & Tremellius.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
David here comforts himself with three things: - I. The favour God bears to his humble people (Psa 138:6): Though the Lord be high, and neither needs any of his creatures nor can be benefited by them, yet has he respect unto the lowly, smiles upon them as well pleased with them, overlooks heaven and earth to cast a gracious look upon them (Isa 57:15; Isa 66:1), and, sooner or later, he will put honour upon them, while he knows the proud afar off, knows them, but disowns them and rejects them, how proudly soever they pretend to his favour. Dr. Hammond makes this to be the sum of that gospel which the kings of the earth shall hear and welcome - that penitent sinners shall be accepted of God, but the impenitent cast out; witness the instance of the Pharisee and the publican, Lu. 18. II. The care God takes of his afflicted oppressed people, Psa 138:7. David, though a great and good man, expects to walk in the midst of trouble, but encourages himself with hope, 1. That God would comfort him: "When my spirit is ready to sink and fail, thou shalt revive me, and make me easy and cheerful under my troubles." Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us even when we walk in the midst of troubles and are ready to die away for fear. 2. That he would protect him, and plead his cause: "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand, though not against my enemies to destroy them, yet against the wrath of my enemies, to restrain that and set bounds to it." 3. That he would in due time work deliverance for him: Thy right hand shall save me. As he has one hand to stretch out against his enemies, so he has another to save his own people. Christ is the right hand of the Lord, that shall save all those who serve him. III. The assurance we have that whatever good work God has begun in and for his people he will perform it (Psa 138:8): The Lord will perfect that which concerns me, 1. That which is most needful for me; and he knows best what is so. We are careful and cumbered about many things that do not concern us, but he knows what are the things that really are of consequence to us (Mat 6:32) and he will order them for the best. 2. That which we are most concerned about. Every good man is most concerned about his duty to God and his happiness in God, that the former may be faithfully done and the latter effectually secured; and if indeed these are the things that our hearts are most upon, and concerning which we are most solicitous, there is a good work begun in us, and he that has begun it will perfect it, we may be confident he will, Phi 1:6. Observe, (1.) What ground the psalmist builds this confidence upon: Thy mercy, O Lord! endures for ever. This he had made very much the matter of his praise (Psa 13:6), and therefore he could here with the more assurance make it the matter of his hope. For, if we give God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort of it. Our hopes that we shall persevere must be founded, not upon our own strength, for that will fail us, but upon the mercy of God, for that will not fail. It is well pleaded, "Lord, thy mercy endures for ever; let me be for ever a monument of it." (2.) What use he makes of this confidence; it does not supersede, but quicken prayer; he turns his expectation into a petition: "Forsake not, do not let go, the work of thy own hands. Lord, I am the work of thy own hands, my soul is so, do not forsake me; my concerns are so, do not lay by thy care of them." Whatever good there is in us it is the work of God's own hands; he works in us both to will and to do; it will fail if he forsake it; but his glory, as Jehovah, a perfecting God, is so much concerned in the progress of it to the end that we may in faith pray, "Lord, do not forsake it." Whom he loves he loves to the end; and, as for God, his work is perfect.
Psalms 138:6
A Thankful Heart
5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How Do I Humble Myself? (Part 1)
By Denny Kenaston2.2K1:05:58Humble YourselfPSA 138:6ISA 66:2MAT 6:33PHP 2:161TI 3:16HEB 12:1JAS 4:10In 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 and brokenness before God. The speaker encourages listeners to humble themselves by getting on their knees and acknowledging their need for God's grace. He also urges them to identify and lay aside their besetting sins. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' example of humility and His teachings on the subject.
God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel78428:30PSA 138:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:111CO 1:272CO 10:1PHP 2:5JAS 4:101PE 5:6This 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 power of God in turning failures into victories, using examples like Peter and the early church. The message encourages humility, trusting in God's plan, and finding strength in weakness, echoing the theme of God's preference for the base things of the world.
Appreciating God's Grace
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 138:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 16:24PHP 2:31TH 5:18JAS 1:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of embracing patience and carrying our crosses instead of seeking constant comfort and enjoyment. He emphasizes the superiority of spiritual joy and consolation over earthly pleasures, highlighting the need for humility and gratitude in receiving God's grace. Kempis warns against false freedom of mind and overconfidence, stating that grace is given to the humble and grateful, while the proud risk losing it. He encourages a mindset of humility, contrition, and gratitude towards God, attributing all good to Him and willingly accepting both His gifts and corrections.
Nebuchadnezzar Exemplifying God's Opposition to Pride
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 138:6Bob Hoekstra preaches on the consequences of pride as seen in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar, who boasted about his own greatness and power, leading to God's judgment and the loss of his kingdom. The contrast is drawn between Nebuchadnezzar's prideful evaluation of his kingdom and David's humble acknowledgment of God's greatness and sovereignty. Just as Nebuchadnezzar faced severe consequences for his pride, so did Herod in the early church when he failed to give glory to God and was struck down by an angel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in humility and giving glory to God in all things.
Mr. H. G. Wells and the Giants
By Gilbert K. Chesterton01SA 16:7PSA 138:6PRO 16:19PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MAT 23:12PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the importance of humility, sincerity, and the true nature of heroism. He emphasizes the need to see beyond appearances and recognize the virtues that lie within individuals, even those who may seem hypocritical. Chesterton discusses the paradox of Christian humility leading to incredible achievements and the practical success of Christendom. He also critiques the modern scientific outlook, highlighting the necessity of caring for important things like marriage with a sense of recklessness and passion. Chesterton concludes by reflecting on the lost art of war, where true heroism lies in defying the powerful and championing the cause of the weak.
Divine Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Faith and ObedienceDivine LifePSA 138:6MAT 11:28JHN 10:10JHN 14:30GAL 5:22EPH 3:20REV 2:7REV 22:1REV 22:14REV 22:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the tree of life as a symbol of Divine life, which is central to God's purpose for humanity. He explains that spiritual death results from disobedience and unbelief, separating man from God, the source of life. The sermon highlights that faith and obedience are essential for accessing this Divine life, which is embodied in Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega. Sparks illustrates that true life is practical, fruitful, and governed by the lordship of Christ, urging believers to commit wholly to Him to experience the fullness of Divine life. Ultimately, the message calls for a life that reflects the order, honesty, and influence of God's nature.
Pride - James 4:6
By Bernard Fell0PSA 138:6PRO 16:5LUK 14:11PHP 2:3JAS 4:6Bernard Fell preaches about the sin of pride, highlighting how it manifests in various forms such as seeking prominence, power, and the praise of men. He emphasizes that pride is abhorred by God and leads to resistance from Him, while humility receives grace. The sermon underscores the importance of crucifying the 'I' in pride and turning to God with a contrite and humble heart, as demonstrated by Jesus' example of taking the lowest place on the cross.
The Feelings and Employments of Saints in Heaven.
By Edward Payson0PSA 111:10PSA 138:6PSA 145:3PHP 2:3COL 3:171TH 5:181PE 5:51JN 4:19REV 4:10REV 5:10Edward Payson preaches on the vision described by John in Revelation 5:10, where the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before the throne of God and the Lamb. This action symbolizes the humility, love, gratitude, and reverence that the redeemed in heaven possess towards God. It serves as an acknowledgment that all glory and honor belong to God alone, and that every reward and blessing received is a result of His grace and sovereignty. Payson emphasizes the importance of imitating the heavenly mindset on earth, preparing for the eternal kingdom by casting ourselves and all that we have at the feet of our Savior.
The Crook in the Lot - Part 2
By Thomas Boston0PSA 138:6PRO 16:19PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:11PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas Boston preaches about the importance of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, emphasizing the need to submit to God's providence and accept our circumstances with humility. He contrasts the outcomes of being humble and proud, highlighting how humility leads to peace of mind, favor with God, and eventual exaltation by Him. Boston urges believers to focus on cultivating a spirit of humility, trusting that God will lift them up in His perfect timing.
Homily 65 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 18:27EXO 5:2PSA 138:6PRO 22:4ISA 66:2MAT 20:28LUK 14:111TI 3:6JAS 4:6JAS 4:10John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from serving others and being meek, drawing examples from Scripture and the lives of saints. Chrysostom highlights how God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, showing that humility leads to exaltation while arrogance leads to downfall. He encourages the listeners to embrace humility, as it not only pleases God but also brings honor and blessings in this life and the life to come.
Nebuchadnezzar Exemplifying God's Grace for Humility
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 138:6PRO 16:18ISA 66:2DAN 4:30DAN 4:33PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5Bob Hoekstra preaches on the transformation of Nebuchadnezzar from pride to humility, showcasing God's opposition to pride and grace for humility. Despite being driven into the fields to live as an animal due to his pride, Nebuchadnezzar's understanding returned when he lifted his eyes to heaven, leading him to bless and honor the Most High God. This transformation marked a shift from self-glorification to glorifying the Lord, acknowledging God's will in his life and the consequences of pride. Nebuchadnezzar's restoration to his kingdom after humbling himself serves as a powerful reminder that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Identity
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 138:6PSA 147:6ISA 53:2MAT 23:12LUK 1:46ROM 12:11CO 1:27PHP 2:3JAS 4:10Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of fulfilling our purpose by magnifying God with our soul, body, and spirit, as exemplified by Mary's humble yet powerful declaration in The Magnificat. He emphasizes that our true worth and identity come from God, not from worldly achievements or recognition. Through Mary's example, we learn that God uses those of low estate to accomplish great things and bring about His redemptive purposes on earth.
Peter Before
By John Follette0PSA 138:6PRO 11:2MAT 26:69LUK 22:24LUK 22:54JHN 21:11CO 1:27PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6John Follette delves into the story of Jesus appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias in John 21:1-18, emphasizing the profound wisdom and tact displayed by Jesus in His interactions. He explores the disciples' mindset of disappointment and confusion after Jesus' death and resurrection, revealing their struggle to understand the spiritual nature of His teachings amidst their Kingdom-focused expectations. The sermon highlights Peter's boastful declaration of loyalty to Jesus, illustrating the importance of genuine faith over extravagant prayers and the need for humility and self-denial in following Christ.
"God Chose Who?"
By Mark D. Partin01SA 16:7PSA 138:6MAT 18:201CO 1:27JAS 2:5Mark D. Partin delivers a sermon at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church, emphasizing how the world may view the church as lowly and insignificant due to its size and location in a rural, poverty-stricken area. Despite these worldly perceptions, the church remains steadfast in its conservative theology, rooted in the Truth of God's Word, and dedicated to worship, community outreach, and missions. Pastor Partin shares the church's journey from a struggling congregation to a vibrant body of diverse believers, illustrating how God chooses the lowly and insignificant to do mighty works.
Scorn for the Scornful, Grace for the Humble
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 138:6PRO 3:34PRO 16:18ISA 14:12EZK 28:14JAS 4:61PE 5:5Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility before the Lord, highlighting how God pours out grace on the humble while scorning the scornful. The Scriptures emphasize God's resistance to the proud but His favor towards the humble, warning against pride and haughtiness that lead to destruction. The sermon delves into the consequences of self-exaltation, drawing parallels to the fall of Lucifer due to his desire to be like the Most High. Believers are encouraged to walk with God's humble saints and reject the path of the proud, seeking to be lowly in spirit and receive God's abundant grace.
The Wicked Through Pride Refuse to Seek God.
By Edward Payson0PSA 10:4PSA 138:6PRO 8:13PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 23:12PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 2:16Edward Payson preaches about the wicked's unwillingness to seek after God due to the pride of their hearts, which hinders them from pursuing knowledge, favor, likeness, and communion with God. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is solely by God's grace, highlighting the wicked's self-destructive nature and the folly of pride that leads to ignorance and separation from God. Payson urges self-examination among the audience, challenging them to seek God diligently through studying scriptures, prayer, and pursuing communion with Him.
He Comes to Lift Us Up
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 138:6MAT 5:3LUK 1:26PHP 2:6JAS 4:101PE 5:6Richard E. Bieber preaches about Jesus being among us to lift us up in various ways, such as lifting us out of fears, discouragement, and bondage, and giving us a purpose in God's kingdom. He emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves before Jesus so He can lift us up, drawing parallels to how Jesus lifted Mary up by opening her eyes to the unseen, putting divine life within her, and giving her a purpose to fulfill. Bieber encourages the congregation to empty themselves of vanity and self-righteousness, acknowledging their low estate before God, so Jesus can exalt them in His way.
Step 23 on Mad2 Pride, And, in the Same Step, on Unclean Blasphemous Thoughts.
By St. John Climacus0PSA 138:6PRO 11:2PRO 16:5PRO 16:18PRO 29:23ROM 12:31CO 10:12PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers and consequences of pride, describing it as denial of God, the root of various sins, and a hindrance to humility and spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of humility, self-examination, and submission to God to overcome pride and avoid falling into sin. St. John Climacus warns against the deceptive nature of pride, highlighting how it can lead to blasphemy, separation from God, and spiritual delusion. He provides insights on the struggles faced by those battling with blasphemous thoughts and offers guidance on seeking deliverance through humility, confession, and reliance on God's mercy.
And All the Earth Shall Own Him Lord
By John Piper0PSA 138:6ISA 57:15MAT 16:18MAT 23:11ACT 2:36ROM 8:17PHP 2:9COL 2:15HEB 2:141JN 3:8John Piper preaches on the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross, leading to His ultimate exaltation above every name. The sermon highlights the power of self-denial and obedience in the life of a believer, drawing examples from missionaries like Hudson Taylor who understood the concept of suffering with Christ. It explores the significance of Jesus receiving the name of Lord and Christ after His resurrection, signifying His victory over sin, Satan, and death, and the ultimate triumph of the Church at the end of the age.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
On this general principle of God's government (Isa 2:11; Isa 57:15; Isa 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies. knoweth afar off--their ways and deserts (Psa 1:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Though the Lord be high,.... Above all the earth, and all the nations of it, and the highest of men in it; above the heavens, and the angels there, who are his creatures and at his command; above all the blessings and praises of his saints: the perfect knowledge of him is so high as not to be attained; and his thoughts and ways are higher than ours, as the heavens are higher than the earth; he is indeed the most High, higher than the highest; see Psa 113:4. According to Arama, here begins the song, "the kings of the earth shall sing in the ways of the Lord?'' yet hath he respect unto the lowly; for good, as the Targum; that are low in their own eyes, humbled under a sense of sin, convinced, of the insufficiency of their own righteousness to justify them, and made to submit to the righteousness of Christ; ascribe the whole of their salvation to the free grace of God; patiently and quietly bear every afflictive providence; think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; and, being the followers of the lowly Jesus, learn of him, imitate him, and become like unto him: these the Lord has a gracious respect unto; he looks upon them with a look of love; he has respect to their persons in Christ, and to their sacrifices for his sake, which are those of a broken and contrite heart; he regards their prayers, though low and destitute, and gives more grace unto them; yea, he condescends to dwell with them, and in due time highly exalts them; see Isa 57:15. David may have in view his own low state and condition as a shepherd, in which he was when the Lord took him, and raised him to the throne of Israel; but the proud he knoweth afar off; the Targum adds, "to destroy them:'' such who are proud of themselves and what they have; of their wisdom and knowledge, of their strength or beauty, of their wealth and riches; or of their righteousness and holiness; of the purity and goodness of their hearts, and power of their free will, they vainly think themselves possessed of; and despise others below them in these things, or the practice of them: these the Lord takes notice of, and looks upon them at a distance with scorn and contempt; nor will he admit them to nearness to him, nay, opposes himself to them, and sooner or later abases them; see Pro 3:34. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions render it, "high things he knoweth afar off"; things too high for creatures, that are out of their reach; he sees and knows all persons and things, whether in heaven or in earth. Others render them, "and the high One knoweth afar off" (u); knows the lowly, owns and acknowledges them for his own; takes care of them, provides for them, and protects them: and then the sense is the same with the preceding clause. (u) So Pagninus; "quamvis", Junius & Tremellius.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
David here comforts himself with three things: - I. The favour God bears to his humble people (Psa 138:6): Though the Lord be high, and neither needs any of his creatures nor can be benefited by them, yet has he respect unto the lowly, smiles upon them as well pleased with them, overlooks heaven and earth to cast a gracious look upon them (Isa 57:15; Isa 66:1), and, sooner or later, he will put honour upon them, while he knows the proud afar off, knows them, but disowns them and rejects them, how proudly soever they pretend to his favour. Dr. Hammond makes this to be the sum of that gospel which the kings of the earth shall hear and welcome - that penitent sinners shall be accepted of God, but the impenitent cast out; witness the instance of the Pharisee and the publican, Lu. 18. II. The care God takes of his afflicted oppressed people, Psa 138:7. David, though a great and good man, expects to walk in the midst of trouble, but encourages himself with hope, 1. That God would comfort him: "When my spirit is ready to sink and fail, thou shalt revive me, and make me easy and cheerful under my troubles." Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us even when we walk in the midst of troubles and are ready to die away for fear. 2. That he would protect him, and plead his cause: "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand, though not against my enemies to destroy them, yet against the wrath of my enemies, to restrain that and set bounds to it." 3. That he would in due time work deliverance for him: Thy right hand shall save me. As he has one hand to stretch out against his enemies, so he has another to save his own people. Christ is the right hand of the Lord, that shall save all those who serve him. III. The assurance we have that whatever good work God has begun in and for his people he will perform it (Psa 138:8): The Lord will perfect that which concerns me, 1. That which is most needful for me; and he knows best what is so. We are careful and cumbered about many things that do not concern us, but he knows what are the things that really are of consequence to us (Mat 6:32) and he will order them for the best. 2. That which we are most concerned about. Every good man is most concerned about his duty to God and his happiness in God, that the former may be faithfully done and the latter effectually secured; and if indeed these are the things that our hearts are most upon, and concerning which we are most solicitous, there is a good work begun in us, and he that has begun it will perfect it, we may be confident he will, Phi 1:6. Observe, (1.) What ground the psalmist builds this confidence upon: Thy mercy, O Lord! endures for ever. This he had made very much the matter of his praise (Psa 13:6), and therefore he could here with the more assurance make it the matter of his hope. For, if we give God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort of it. Our hopes that we shall persevere must be founded, not upon our own strength, for that will fail us, but upon the mercy of God, for that will not fail. It is well pleaded, "Lord, thy mercy endures for ever; let me be for ever a monument of it." (2.) What use he makes of this confidence; it does not supersede, but quicken prayer; he turns his expectation into a petition: "Forsake not, do not let go, the work of thy own hands. Lord, I am the work of thy own hands, my soul is so, do not forsake me; my concerns are so, do not lay by thy care of them." Whatever good there is in us it is the work of God's own hands; he works in us both to will and to do; it will fail if he forsake it; but his glory, as Jehovah, a perfecting God, is so much concerned in the progress of it to the end that we may in faith pray, "Lord, do not forsake it." Whom he loves he loves to the end; and, as for God, his work is perfect.