We’re starting a new study of Psalm 138.
This will a verse-by-verse look at a section of Scripture that can minister to all people in a powerful way. As we get started in our verse-by-verse study of Psalm 138, I thought it would be helpful for us to first look at the psalm in its entirety.
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands. - Psalm 138(ESV)The psalm was written by King David, and the ESV Study Bible notes that Psalms 138-145 are part of the final collection of psalms attributed to him.
As we read this psalm, there are several things that grab our attention immediately. Let’s take a look at those together.
Giving Thanks
The first thing noticed is that David is giving thanks to God. In the first two verses, he specifically says this:
(v. 1) “I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart…”
(v. 2) “I bow down…and give thanks to your name…”
And in verse 3, he gives an example of something for which he is thankful to God: “On the day I called, you answered.”
Again, as he notes in verse 1, David is doing this with his “whole heart.”
In verse 4, David begins this three verse section by saying, “All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD.”
In the final two verses of the psalm, David’s gratitude to God is clear because God has preserved, protected and delivered him.
It is very clear that David is thinking and writing about God with gratefulness in his heart.
God’s Provision
God’s provision for David is also clear in Psalm 138.
God answered him when he called.
God increased the strength of his soul.
God has preserved David’s life and delivered him from his enemies.
And David knows God will fulfill His purpose for him.
It is clear that David recognizes what God has done for him. He knows that God has provided.
God’s Name and Word
David reminds us that God has exalted His name and His word above all things.
One cannot read verse 2, which says, “for you have exalted above all things your name and your word,” and not be struck in the heart.
It is clear that David reveres God’s name and His word.
God’s Sovereignty
Finally, in Psalm 138 we are reminded of God’s sovereignty.
We see this, of course, in how God has provided for David, and in the reminders of how He will provide. We see this in the verse 4 declaration, “all the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD.” But we see this most vividly in the verse 8 statement, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.”
It is clear from reading the Holy Spirit inspired writing of David that God is sovereign.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t a very long psalm, but it is packed with God’s truth and wonderful guidance for us.
Over the years I really enjoyed reading and reflecting on this psalm and, Lord willing, I look forward to unpacking it here over the weeks to follow.
I’m no one special. Just a sinner saved by grace that loves to study and teach God’s word. If you think this study could benefit someone, please press the link below and share it. If I have goofed up, please leave a comment or reply to this email. Thanks for reading!