Psalm One Hundred and Thirty Eight

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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A Psalm of David.

Psalm 138:1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Psalm 138:2 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.

lovingkindness and for thy truth. “Lovingkindness” is the same Hebrew word for “mercy.” These two words are often found together when speaking of the Lord (Psalm 25:10; 40:11; 85:10; 115:1; etc.).

magnified thy word. It is impossible to place the inspired, inerrant Word of God on too high a pedestal, for God Himself honors it above His name! The Word is not greater than God, for He wrote it by His Spirit, but it is greater than His “Name,” which represents Him, and all that He is and does. His Word, however, represents Him more fully than His name alone can do: in His Word, in fact, His name is revealed.

Psalm 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Psalm 138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Psalm 138:5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

ways of the Lord. “Ways” here should be understood as “paths.”

Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Psalm 138:7 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.

wilt revive me. God's mercy and truth, as magnified by His Word, will “revive me,” “save me,” and “perfect that which concerneth me” (Psalm 138:8).

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.