---
title: "Clarke"
description: "The Hebrew and all the Versions attribute this Psalm to David, and it is supposed to have been made by him when, delivered from all his enemies, he was fi"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/psalms/138"
---

The *Hebrew* and all the *Versions* attribute this Psalm to *David*, and it is supposed to have been made by him when, delivered from all his enemies, he was firmly seated on the throne of Israel. As the *Septuagint* and *Arabic* prefix also the names of *Haggai* and *Zechariah*, it is probable that it was used by the Jews as a *form* *of thanksgiving* for their deliverance from all their enemies, and their ultimate settlement in their own land, after Ahasuerus, supposed by Calmet to be *Darius Hystaspes*, had married *Esther*, before which time they were not peaceably *settled* in their own country.
Verse [Psalms 138:1](../../../kjv/psalms/138/1). ***I will praise thee with my whole heart*** — I have received the highest favours from thee, and my whole soul should acknowledge my obligation to thy mercy. The Versions and several MSS. add יהוה *Yehovah*, "I will praise thee, O LORD," c.
***Before the gods will I sing*** — נגד אלהים *neged Elohim*, "in the presence of Elohim" most probably meaning before the ark, where were the sacred symbols of the Supreme Being. The *Chaldee* has, *before the judges*. The *Vulgate, before the angels*. So the *Septuagint, AEthiopic, Arabic*, and *Anglo-Saxon*. The Syriac, *Before kings will I sing unto thee*. This place has been alleged by the Roman Catholics as a proof that the holy angels, who are present in the assemblies of God's people, take their prayers and praises, and present them before God. There is nothing like this in the *text*; for supposing, which is not granted, that the word *elohim* here signifies *angels*, the praises are not *presented to* *them*, nor are *they requested to present them before God*; it is simply said, *Before elohim will I sing praise unto THEE*. Nor could there be need of any intermediate agents, when it was well known that God himself was present in the sanctuary, sitting between the cherubim. Therefore this opinion is wholly without support from this place.

Verse [Psalms 138:2](../../../kjv/psalms/138/2). ***For thy loving-kindness*** — Thy *tender mercy* shown to me; and for the fulfilment of thy *truth* - the promises thou hast made.
***Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.*** — All the *Versions* read this sentence thus: "For thou hast magnified above all the name of thy holiness," or, "thy holy name." Thou hast proved that thou hast all *power* in heaven and in earth, and that thou art *true* in all thy words. And by giving the word of *prophecy*, and fulfilling those words, thou hast *magnified thy* *holy name above all things* - thou hast proved thyself to be *ineffably great*. The original is the following: כי הגדלת על כל שמך אמרתך *ki higdalta al col shimcha, imrathecha*, which I think might be thus translated: "For thou hast magnified thy name and thy word over all," or, "on every occasion." *Kennicott* reads, "He preferred *faithfulness to his promise* to the attribute of his *power*." I believe my own translation to be nearest the truth. There may be some corruption in this clause.

Verse [Psalms 138:3](../../../kjv/psalms/138/3). **With*****strength in my soul.*** — Thou hast endued my soul with many graces, blessings, and heavenly qualities.

Verse [Psalms 138:4](../../../kjv/psalms/138/4). ***All the kings of the earth*** — Of the land: all the neighbouring nations, seeing what is done for us, and looking in vain to find that any human agency was employed in the work, will immediately see that it was *thy hand*; and consequently, by *confessing* that it was *thou*, will give praise to thy name.

Verse [Psalms 138:5](../../../kjv/psalms/138/5). ***They shall sing in the ways of the Lord*** — They shall admire thy *conduct*, and the *wondrous workings* of thy providence, if they should not even unite with thy people.

Verse [Psalms 138:6](../../../kjv/psalms/138/6). ***Though the Lord*****be*****high*** — Infinitely *great* as God is, he regards even the lowest and most inconsiderable part of his creation; but the *humble* and *afflicted* man attracts his notice particularly.
***But the proud he knoweth afar off.*** — He beholds them at a distance, and has them in utter derision.

Verse [Psalms 138:7](../../../kjv/psalms/138/7). ***Though I walk in the midst of trouble*** — I have had such experience of thy mercy, that let me fall into whatsoever trouble I may, yet I will trust in thee. Thou wilt *quicken* me, though I were *ready to die*; and thou wilt deliver me from the *wrath of my* *enemies*.

Verse [Psalms 138:8](../../../kjv/psalms/138/8). ***The Lord will perfect*** — Whatever is farther necessary to be done, he will do it.
***Forsake not the works of thine own hands.*** — My body - my soul; thy work *begun in my soul*; thy work in *behalf of Israel*; thy work in the evangelization of the world; thy work in the salvation of mankind. Thou wilt not forsake these.
I. In the three first verses of this Psalm David promises a grateful heart, and to sing the praises of God, because he had heard his cries, and sent him comfort and deliverance.
II. In the three next he shows what future kings would do, when the works and truth of God should be made known to them.
III. In the two last verses he professes his confidence in God; shows what he hopes for from him; and, in assurance that God will perfect his works, prays him not to desert or forsake him.
I. The prophet shows his thankfulness, which he illustrates and amplifies.
1. "I will praise thee with my whole heart." Sincerely, cordially.
2. "Before the gods," c. Publicly, before potentates, whether angels or kings.
3. "I will worship toward," c. It is true God ruleth as King in his palace: there will I bow it is the symbol of his presence.
4. "And praise thy name," c. From a feeling sense of thy goodness. 1. "For thy lovingkindness," &c. In calling me to the kingdom from the sheepfold. 2. "And for thy truth." In performing thy promise. By which,
5. "Thou hast magnified," &c. This clause is differently read. "Thou hast magnified thy name in thy word *by* performing thy word above all things." Or, "Thou hast magnified thy name and thy word above all things." See the notes.
6. "In the day when I cried," c. Finite creatures as we are, we must sometimes faint in our temptations and afflictions, if not strengthened by God.
II. The prophet, having set down what God had in mercy done for him in calling him *from following the ewes*, &c., and *making him* *king*, and performing *his promises to him* seeing all this, the prophet judges it impossible but that the neighbouring and future kings should acknowledge the miracle and praise God. This appears the literal sense: but it may have reference to the conversion of kings in future ages to the faith.
1. "All the kings of the earth," c. Or the future kings of Israel.
2. "Yea, they shall sing in the ways," &c. His mercy, truth, clemency, &c.: "For great is the glory of the Lord." Righteous and glorious in all his works, of which this is one. "Though the Lord be high," &c. Of which David was an instance. "But the proud," &c., he removes far from him. Saul and others are examples of this.
III. Because *God who is high*, &c. And David, being conscious of his own humility of mind, confidently expects help from God.
1. "Though I walk," &c. Exposed on all sides to trouble.
2. "Thou wilt revive me." Preserve me safe and untouched.
3. "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand," &c. Restrain the power of my enemies.
4. "And thy right hand," &c. Thy power thy *Christ*, who, in [Isaiah 53:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/53/1) is called *the arm of the Lord*.
The last verse depends on the former. Because the prophet knew that many troubles and afflictions remained yet to be undergone therefore he was confident that the same God would still deliver and make his work perfect.
1. "The Lord will perfect," c. Not for my merits, but his mercy.
2. Of which he gives the reason: "Thy mercy, O Lord," &c. It does not exist only for a moment, but it is eternal.
3. And he concludes with a prayer for God to perfect his work: "Forsake not the work," &c. Thou who hast begun this work, increase and perfect it because it is thy work alone, not mine. If we desire that God should perfect any work in us, we must be sure that it is his work, and look to him continually.

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