Chapter 138
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1I 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.
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Overview
Psalm 138 is a psalm of David offering wholehearted thanksgiving before kings and before the gods. David praises God's name for His lovingkindness and truth, declaring that God has magnified His word above all His name. In the day David cried out, God answered and strengthened his soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise God when they hear His words, for great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD is high, He has regard for the lowly and knows the proud from afar. Though David walks through trouble, God revives him, stretches forth His hand against his enemies, and will perfect that which concerns him. The LORD's mercy endures forever, and He will not forsake the work of His hands.
Key Themes
Wholehearted Praise
David praises God with his whole heart — not half-hearted or distracted, but fully engaged in worship and thanksgiving.
God's Word Magnified
God has magnified His word above all His name — the highest revelation of God's character is found in what He has spoken and promised.
God Perfects What Concerns Us
The LORD will not leave His work unfinished — He will perfect and complete everything that concerns His people, never forsaking the work of His hands.
Study Questions
What does it mean that God has 'magnified thy word above all thy name' (v. 2)?
How does God answer prayer with 'strength in my soul' (v. 3)?
What does the statement that God 'hath respect unto the lowly' but knows the proud 'afar off' (v. 6) teach?
What does the promise 'the LORD will perfect that which concerneth me' (v. 8) mean for believers?
How does the declaration that God will 'not forsake the works of thine own hands' (v. 8) provide security?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the Word that God magnified above all His name — the living Word through whom God's character and purposes are fully revealed. Jesus was perfected through suffering (Hebrews 2:10) and He perfects those who trust in Him. He will not forsake the work of His hands — those the Father gave Him, He will lose none.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 138. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?