Psalm 138
The Faithfulness of Jehovah Learned Experimentally by Israel
The Faithfulness of Jehovah Learned Experimentally by Israel
Psalm 138. This is a Psalm of David, and it describes the confidence of the saints in Jehovah’s word. Prophetically, this describes the return of the ten tribes of Israel to their land, in the midst of deadly foes. However, Israel’s confidence in Jehovah allows them to continue with peace and joy.
PSALM 138
A Psalm of David.
1 I will give thee thanks with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing psalms of thee.
2 I will bow down toward the temple of thy holiness, and celebrate thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
vv.1-2 Jehovah Praised by Israel for His Faithfulness to His Word. Jehovah has proven Himself faithful to His promises, in contrast with “the gods”. He has staked His name upon the verity of His Word; “thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”. Israel is seen as restored in their land, approaching the presence of Jehovah on earth (though not yet in the temple) to worship Him!
3 In the day when I called thou answeredst me; thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall celebrate thee, Jehovah, when they have heard the words of thy mouth;
5 And they shall sing in the ways of Jehovah, for great is the glory of Jehovah.
vv.3-5 Jehovah Praised by the Kings of the Earth. Jehovah has heard the voice of Israel when they cried out, and encouraged their soul. As a result, not only Israel but “All the kings of the earth shall celebrate thee, Jehovah”. When men anywhere hear Jehovah’s Word, it produces a response of celebration and singing.
6 For Jehovah is high; but he looketh upon the lowly, and the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the anger of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 Jehovah will perfect what concerneth me: thy loving-kindness, O Jehovah, endureth for ever; forsake not the works of thine own hands.
vv.6-8 Confidence in Jehovah Concerning the Future. Though exceedingly high, Jehovah has proven Himself gracious to look with compassion on the lowly, and deal with the proud. Israel is seen as returning to their land, but surrounded by deadly foes. Israel has confidence that Jehovah will yet again deliver them: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the anger of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me”. They view Jehovah’s past deliverances as evidence that He will perfect (or complete) that which concerns Israel. They count on Jehovah’s enduring mercy, to Israel, the work of His hands.