Psalms 138 - Printer Friendly

David enthusiastically praises the Lord in a public way. He does this before a group referred to using the term elōhim', which has various meanings. Here, it may mean lesser, false deities, or spiritual beings, or influential and powerful men. David also praises the Lord for His constant, loyal love, using the important term hesed. Though the temple was not built during David's life, the word translated "temple" or "sanctuary" is also used to refer to the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:24). Because the Lord has proven His love for David (2 Samuel 5:12; 7:12–16), David's faith and resolve are made stronger (Psalm 138:1–3).

During David's life, enemy nations surrounded Israel (2 Samuel 8:1–10). They rejected the One True God (Deuteronomy 18:9–14). Someday, all nations and kings will admit that God is God (Isaiah 45:23; Psalm 22:27). David looks forward to this day, when the Lord's mercy and goodness will be acclaimed around the world (Psalm 138:4–6).

David famously declared his trust in God in Psalm 23 (Psalm 23:4). This song echoes that idea. David is confident in God's plans. Again, David mentions the consistent and eternal love expressed by the Lord. David will trust that God has no intention of wasting the work He has done so far (Psalm 138:7–8).

Psalm 138:1–3 expresses David's public praise of God, for His salvation and consistent love. This steady care is from the Hebrew word hesed. The first verse uses the term elōhim', which can refer to God, fictional gods, spiritual beings, or important people. Any or all of these can apply in this case. The term translated "temple" or "sanctuary" is also used in reference to the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:24).

Psalm 138:4–6 anticipates when all the kings and nations of earth will praise the One True God (Isaiah 45:23; Psalm 22:27). They will recognize the Lord's goodness (Psalm 34:8; 100:5) and glory (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 113:4). His care for all people, even the lowly, will also be acclaimed (Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 3:34; Psalm 76:8–9).

Psalm 138:7–8 expresses confidence with a statement similar to David's other psalms (Psalm 23:4; 27:3). David experienced much danger during his life (1 Samuel 17:44; 19:1–2, 11; 30:5–6; 2 Samuel 5:17; 15:13–14). Yet he also saw the Lord's protection and guidance (1 Samuel 17:37, 50–51; 23:2; 30:8). These events corresponded to the promises which the Lord had made (2 Samuel 5:12; 7:12–16). David is confident that God would accomplish His will, so he simply prays for the Lord to continue with His works.

David publicly praises God for His faithfulness and salvation. Someday, all rulers of every nation will acknowledge the Lord. They will recognize His goodness and mercy. Despite troubles, David is confident in the Lord's plan. God has a purpose for David's life, so he is content to pray for aid and rest in God's loyal love.

This section (Psalms 138—145) of songs are attributed to David. Psalm 108 shares basic themes with the beginning verses of this entry. The later parts of this psalm echo David's thoughts (Psalm 23:4) in Psalm 23. No specific moment is tied to this psalm; David may have written it while thinking about Israel's many neighboring enemies (2 Samuel 5:6; 8:1–2). The first verse uses the word elōhim', which can refer to the Lord God (Genesis 1:1), to deities in general (Deuteronomy 5:7), to spiritual beings (Psalm 8:5), or to important people (Genesis 23:6).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.