Every verse here opens — tap a number for what that one means.
1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2I 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.
3In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7Though 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.
8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own 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: King James Version — public domain.