Bible Commentary

Psalms 138

Psalms 138 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

It does not appear, nor is it material to enquire, upon what occasion David penned this psalm; but in it, I. He looks back with thankfulness upon the experiences he had had of God's goodness to him, ver. 1-3. II. He looks forward with comfort, in hopes, 1. That others would go on to praise God like him, ver. 4, 5. 2. That God would go on to do good to him, ver. 6-8. In singing this psalm we must in like manner devote ourselves to God's praise and glory and repose ourselves in his power and goodness.

Grateful Praise.

A psalm of David.

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Psalms 138 — OverviewPsalms 138 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 138:1, David praises God for the truth of his word; Psalms 138:4, He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God; Psalms 138:7, He professes his confidence in God. Five manuscripts omit ledawid;: and…Psalms 138 — OverviewPsalms 138 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePsalm of David. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by David upon his being advanced to the throne; on account of which he praises the Lord, who had supported him under many exercises, and had made good…Psalms 138:1-5Psalms 138:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleI. How he would praise God, compare Ps. cxi. 1. 1. He will praise him with sincerity and zeal--"With my heart, with my whole heart, with that which is within me and with all that is within me, with uprightness of…Psalms 138:1Psalms 138:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryI will praise thee with my whole heart (comp. Psalms 9:1; Psalms 111:1). Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Some suppose the expression, "before the gods," to mean "before the great ones of the earth," and…Psalms 138:1Psalms 138:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryUnity, entireness, and sincerity in worship. "With my whole heart." The tenor and tone of the psalm suggest the authorship of Zerubbabel or of Nehemiah. Some important success had evidently been just gained; but there…Psalms 138:1Psalms 138:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe term gods as a synonym for great ones. The allusion may be to the rulers of Israel (Psalms 119:46). The 'Speaker's Commentary,' however, thinks the meaning can only be this, "Before, or in presence of, the gods of…