Psalms 138

Psalms 138:1-8

the Most High Regards the Lowly Psalms 138:1-8 This is the first of a cycle of Davidic psalms, based on 2 Samuel 7:1-29. God’ s promised favors are the theme of devout thanksgiving. No idols could have achieved such generous and great results. Even God had outdone Himself by magnifying His word above His name. Prayer had played its part, for in the day that it was offered it had been answered. Even kings in their various spheres would add their praises, Psalms 138:4.

Yet this would be only the beginning of wonders. God can never rest with an incomplete or an unfinished work. When He puts His hand to the salvation of a soul, He pledges Himself to perfect the good work until the day of Jesus Christ, Philippians 1:6. Trust God, amid all disappointment and heartache. He will wipe away all tears, explain all mysteries, and place the topstone on the structure of your life.

I will praise Thee This is the first of a cycle of Davidic Psalms and is founded on the promise of 2 Samuel 7:1-29. Here, as there, the promised blessing is dwelt upon with gladness. The idols, which could exhibit nothing to compare with it, retreat ashamed (Psalms 138:1); the Lord has done more to glorify Himself by it than by all his previous wonders (Psalms 138:2); all kings will one day praise the Lord on account of it (Psalms 138:4); and it is the beginning of a chain of blessings that can never end (Psalms 138:8).

Psalms 138:1. Before the gods may, however, refer to angels (Psalms 8:5; Hebrews 2:7); or to princes (Psalms 82:6; John 10:34-36); or to idols (Psalms 97:7).

Psalms 138:2. Toward thy holy temple This reminds us of (Jonah 2:4), and of (Daniel 6:10). The temple, as being the seat of religious worship and of sacrifice, is symbolic of that propitiation through which alone sinners may approach God. God’s promise, prompted by love and founded on truth, was a fuller manifestation of God’s character than any previous revelation.

Psalms 138:3. Thou answeredst me Our God does not always answer our prayers as we request. But He does for us, as for our Lord in the Garden–He strengthens us (Luke 22:43). Let us not forget that He is “the strength of our heart.”

Psalms 138:4. All the kings of the earth It is pleasant to think how many of the great of this world have been included in the ranks of the servants of God and more shall be (Psalms 68:29; Psalms 102:15). And it may be that not a few of them shall be found to have been influenced in their choice by the sweet words of David the king. Each man can best influence the men of his own class. 5. They shall sing of the ways of the Lord (R.V.) So great is the glory of our God, that the noblest of this world may count it an honor to carry his train.

Psalms 138:6. To have respect unto is to “regard.” God eyes with loving regard those who are true to Him. He is repelled from those whose hearts are proud, so as to look on them only from a distance (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Psalms 138:7. Thou wilt revive me The revival of the soul is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. How blessedly and unexpectedly these revivings steal into our hearts so often when heavy trouble lies on us from without.

Psalms 138:8. The Lord will perfect There are no unfinished pictures on the walls of God’s studio; no incomplete statues in his halls of sculpture. When He begins, He pledges Himself to complete. His mercy endures forever. We cannot tire it or wear it out. But our assurance ought always to take on the language of pleading, that He would not forsake.