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Psalm 138

Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David. It expresses his deep gratitude to God for His steadfast love, faithfulness, and answer to prayer. David acknowledges God's greatness and envisions a time when all the kings of the earth will praise Him. The psalm ends with a plea for continued protection and care, showing David's trust in God to fulfill His purposes for him.

Psalm 138:1 (NKJV)
1 I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You.

David declares his intention to praise God wholeheartedly. "Before the gods" may refer to false deities or earthly rulers, suggesting that David is boldly proclaiming God’s superiority over all. His praise is sincere and public, emphasizing that no one else deserves the reverence that belongs to God alone.

Psalm 138:2 (NKJV)
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

David directs his worship toward God's holy temple, a symbol of God's presence. He praises God's "lovingkindness" (steadfast love) and truth, celebrating God's faithfulness. David highlights the power of God's word, noting that God's promises and actions have upheld His name and brought glory to Him.

Psalm 138:3 (NKJV)
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.

David reflects on how God responded to his prayers. In moments of distress, God not only heard him but also gave him the inner strength and courage to face his challenges. This speaks of God's personal and immediate care for those who call upon Him.

Psalm 138:4-5 (NKJV)
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, For great is the glory of the Lord.

David looks forward to a future time when even the kings of the earth will acknowledge and praise God. Once they hear His words and witness His actions, they will sing of His ways, recognizing His supreme authority and glory. David envisions a global recognition of God's greatness.

Psalm 138:6 (NKJV)
6 Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.

David marvels at God's character, emphasizing that despite His exalted position, God is attentive to the humble and lowly. However, the proud are distant from Him, both in attitude and relationship. This shows God’s concern for the humble and His resistance to those who elevate themselves.

Psalm 138:7 (NKJV)
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.

David expresses his confidence in God's protection. Even when surrounded by trouble, David believes that God will preserve him, acting against his enemies and delivering him with His powerful right hand. This demonstrates David's unwavering trust in God's ability to rescue and restore.

Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

David concludes with a prayer of assurance, believing that God will fulfill His purposes for him. He acknowledges God's enduring mercy and asks Him not to abandon His creation. This final verse reflects David's reliance on God's ongoing care and faithfulness to complete what He has begun.

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