Every verse here opens — tap a number for what that one means.
1I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.
5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
6Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
7If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.
8The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.
Commentary
Psalm 138, explained
What Psalm 138 is saying
Psalm 138, attributed to David, is a thanksgiving psalm in which the psalmist praises God before the 'gods' (elohim)—possibly angelic beings, pagan deities, or earthly rulers—for answering prayer and exalting His word above all things. The psalm envisions all the kings of the earth praising God when they hear His promises, and closes with confidence that God will fulfill His purpose for the psalmist.
The background behind it
The reference to praising God 'toward Your holy temple' suggests either the tabernacle during David's time or reflects post-exilic editorial framing. The bold claim that God has exalted His word (or name) 'above all things' makes one of the strongest statements about divine revelation in the Psalter.
Themes running underneath
The psalm integrates personal thanksgiving with universal vision: David's individual experience of answered prayer expands to encompass all kings worshiping the LORD. The assertion that God regards the lowly but knows the proud from afar echoes Hannah's song and anticipates the Magnificat. Divine purpose (v. 8) provides the psalm's eschatological horizon.
Why it still matters
This psalm models a faith that moves from personal gratitude to prophetic vision. It challenges believers to see their individual experiences of God's faithfulness as part of a larger divine purpose that encompasses all nations.
Scripture text: Berean Standard Bible — used by permission, Bible Hub.