PSALM 138
. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a
wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His
continued presence and faithfulness.
1. I will praise thee with my whole
heart—(Compare Psalms 9:1).
before the gods—whether
angels (Psalms 8:5); or
princes (Exodus 21:6; Psalms 82:6);
or idols (Psalms 97:7);
denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of
all other objects of worship.
2. (Compare ).
thy word above all thy
name—that is, God's promise (), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other
manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
3-5. That promise, as an answer
to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and,
as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the
occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psalms 68:29;
Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 4:3).
5. for great is the glory—or,
"when the glory shall be great," in God's fulfilling His
purposes of redemption.
8. God will fulfil His promise.
PSALM 138
. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.
1. I will praise thee with my whole heart—(Compare Psalms 9:1).
before the gods—whether angels (Psalms 8:5); or princes (Exodus 21:6; Psalms 82:6); or idols (Psalms 97:7); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.
2. (Compare ).
thy word above all thy name—that is, God's promise (), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psalms 68:29; Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 4:3).
5. for great is the glory—or, "when the glory shall be great," in God's fulfilling His purposes of redemption.
6, 7. On this general principle of God's government (Isaiah 2:11; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies.
knoweth afar off—their ways and deserts (Psalms 1:6).
8. God will fulfil His promise.