1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Psalm 138 is a psalm of gratitude, praise, and faith. It is a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalmist, who is traditionally believed to be King David, pledges to worship God with his whole heart and to sing praises to Him before the gods. The psalmist also acknowledges God's greatness, and His loving and faithful nature. This psalm is a beautiful testament to the psalmist's deep faith and trust in God's promises, even in the face of adversity.
One of the main themes of Psalm 138 is thanksgiving and praise. The psalmist begins the psalm with a declaration of gratitude, saying, "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." (Psalm 138:1, KJV). This statement sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to express thanks and praise to God. The psalmist is not just thankful for God's blessings, but also for who God is—His lovingkindness and truth. The psalmist's praise is not just a casual act of worship; it is a wholehearted and intentional act of exalting God.
Another central theme in Psalm 138 is God's lovingkindness and faithfulness. The psalmist writes, "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." (Psalm 138:2, KJV). Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's steadfast love and truth, two attributes that are central to God's character. The psalmist also recognizes that God's word is trustworthy and reliable, and that God has exalted His word above all His name. This reflects the psalmist's deep faith in God's promises and His ability to fulfill them.
The sovereignty and power of God is another key theme in Psalm 138. The psalmist writes, "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3, KJV). This verse reveals the psalmist's faith in God's omnipotence and His ability to provide strength and comfort in times of distress. The psalmist also acknowledges that all the kings of the earth shall praise God when they hear the words of His mouth (Psalm 138:4, KJV). This statement reflects the psalmist's belief in God's universal reign and His ultimate authority over all the earth.
The theme of God's protection and deliverance is also prevalent in Psalm 138. The psalmist writes, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7, KJV). Here, the psalmist expresses his trust in God's ability to protect and deliver him from his enemies. Despite the challenges and adversities he faces, the psalmist is confident that God will come to his aid and bring him salvation.
The final theme of Psalm 138 is God's unfailing commitment to those who love Him. The psalm concludes with the words, "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." (Psalm 138:8, KJV). In this verse, the psalmist expresses his faith in God's continued guidance and care. He is confident that God, in His enduring mercy, will not abandon him but will continue to work in his life until His purposes are fulfilled.
In conclusion, Psalm 138 is a powerful testament to the psalmist's deep faith in God and His promises. The psalmist's heartfelt expressions of gratitude, praise, and faith reveal a profound understanding of God's lovingkindness, faithfulness, sovereignty, power, protection, and unfailing commitment. Despite the adversities he faces, the psalmist remains confident in God's ability to deliver him and fulfill His promises. This psalm serves as a beautiful reminder for us to trust in God's promises, to thank Him for His blessings, and to praise Him for who He is—our loving, faithful, powerful, and sovereign God.
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