Psalm 138:1-8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:1

I will praise thee with my whole heart - I have received the highest favors from thee, and my whole soul should acknowledge my obligation to thy mercy. The Versions and several MSS. add יהוה Yehovah , "I will praise thee, O Lord," etc. Before the gods will I sing - אלהים נגד neged Elohim , "in the presence of Elohim;" most probably meaning before the ark, where were the sacred symbols of the Supreme Being. The Chaldee has, before the judges. The Vulgate, before the angels. So the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:2

For thy loving-kindness - Thy tender mercy shown to me; and for the fulfillment of thy truth - the promises thou hast made. Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name - All the Versions read this sentence thus: "For thou hast magnified above all the name of thy holiness," or, "thy holy name." Thou hast proved that thou hast all power in heaven and in earth, and that thou art true in all thy words. And by giving the word of prophecy, and fulfilling those words, thou hast magnified... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:3

With strength in my soul - Thou hast endued my soul with many graces, blessings, and heavenly qualities. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth - Of the land: all the neighboring nations, seeing what is done for us, and looking in vain to find that any human agency was employed in the work, will immediately see that it was thy hand; and consequently, by confessing that it was thou, will give praise to thy name. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:5

They shall sing in the ways of the Lord - They shall admire thy conduct, and the wondrous workings of thy providence, if they should not even unite with thy people. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:6

Though the Lord be high - Infinitely great as God is, he regards even the lowest and most inconsiderable part of his creation; but the humble and afflicted man attracts his notice particularly. But the proud he knoweth afar off - He beholds them at a distance, and has them in utter derision. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble - I have had such experience of thy mercy, that let me fall into whatsoever trouble I may, yet I will trust in thee. Thou wilt quicken me, though I were ready to die; and thou wilt deliver me from the wrath of my enemies. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:8

The Lord will perfect - Whatever is farther necessary to be done, he will do it. Forsake not the works of thine own hands - My body - my soul; thy work begun in my soul; thy work in behalf of Israel; thy work in the evangelization of the world; thy work in the salvation of mankind. Thou wilt not forsake these. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:1

Verse 1 1.I will praise thee with my whole heart As David had been honored to receive distinguishing marks of the divine favor, he declares his resolution to show more than ordinary gratitude. This is exercise which degenerates and is degraded in the case of hypocrites to a mere sound of empty words, but he states that he would return thanks to God not with the lips only, but with sincerity of heart, for by the whole heart, as we have elsewhere seen, is meant a heart which is sincere and not... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:2

Verse 2 2.I will worship towards the temple (192) of thy holiness. H e intimates that he would show more than private gratitude, and, in order to set an example before others, come in compliance with the precept of the law into the sanctuary. He worshipped God spiritually, and yet would lift his eyes to those outward symbols which were the means then appointed for drawing the minds of God’s people upwards. He singles out the divine mercy and truth as the subject of his praise, for while the... read more

Group of Brands