Psalms Reading – 5.8.2022
Psalm 138
Of David.
1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
8 The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138 pictures the people of God and their king as being in a position of power, in contrast to what we saw yesterday when they were in exile. In verses 1-3, David praises the Lord, in verses 4-5, David invites all the kings of the earth to do the same, and in verses 6-8, the Lord walks with David.
David declares he will praise the Lord and wants to do so in the presence of the so-called gods of the nations to state there is only one true God. David says the reason for his praise is the often-named attributes of God- His faithfulness and unfailing love. When we seemingly have nothing else for which to offer praise, we can always give thanks that God has these two enduring qualities.
He also offers praise to God for His solemn decree which speaks of God’s promise that a Davidic heir would reign forever on Israel’s throne. David remained humbled and in awe that God had made such a pledge about him and his family.
David offers another reason for his praise- God answered his prayers and gave him the courage he needed. David does not seem to have enmity with other world leaders but calls on them to offer praise to the Lord for His glory that reaches around the world to every nation.
David shares a beautiful picture of God being exalted and enthroned over the whole universe (God’s transcendence) yet is able to meet us where we are and walk with us in our time of need (God’s immanence.) This is the uniqueness and greatness of our God. He is all-powerful but ever so close and helping us in our every need.
Memory Verse: Psalm 133:1, How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Question(s) to Consider: What has God done for you that has humbled you and kept you in awe of Him? Who would you like to offer your praise before in order for them to know God’s greatness?