The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 138
In brief
Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving by David. He thanks God with his whole heart for his loving kindness and truth, because on the day he called, God answered him and strengthened his soul. He announces that all the kings of the earth will praise Yahweh. God is high, yet he looks after the lowly. Even in trouble, David is sure that God will act on his behalf, and he asks him not to forsake the works of his hands.
The chapter in 3 parts
1I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.
2I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
3In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
4All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh, for Yahweh’s glory is great!
6For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
7Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
8Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
Key verses
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
David bows down and celebrates God's name for his loving kindness and truth. Some translations understand that God has exalted his word above all his name, which stresses the worth of his promises.
In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
On the day David called, he received an answer and a new inner strength: an answered prayer touches the soul too.
For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly. His greatness does not keep him from those who know they are small.
Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
David concludes with an expression of trust and a request: God will not leave unfinished the work he began in his life.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 138
What does Psalm 138 mean?
Psalm 138 is a song of gratitude after answered prayer. David thanks God for his faithfulness, announces that even the kings of the earth will praise him, and affirms that Yahweh looks on the lowly. The psalm ends with trust turned toward the future, in trouble as in peace.
Who wrote Psalm 138?
The ancient manuscripts attribute it to David. It belongs to a small group of psalms of David at the end of the collection, Psalms 138 to 145. The text does not say when in his life he wrote it, which lets each reader recognize themselves in it.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 138?
Begin as David does, thanking God with your whole heart for a specific answer you received. Reread verse 3 thinking of a day when he reassured you. End with verse 8, entrusting to him what you are still waiting for, without demanding a timetable.
Articles quoting Psalm 138
World English Bible translation — public domain.