Psalm 138:2 NIV

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:1-8

Although the title ascribes this Ps. to David, it is generally considered to belong to the post-exilic period, of whose earnest piety it is one of the best examples. According to some scholars the speaker is Israel, but this is doubtful.1. Before] i.e. in front of, in opposition to the (false) gods. 2. Thy name] Thy character, as hitherto revealed. The present fulfilment of thy promise surpasses the renown of all thy former doings.3. Strengthenedst me] RV ’Thou didst encourage me,’ lit. ’madest... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 138:2

(2) Notice that “loving-kindness” and “truth” are joined as inseparable attributes of Jehovah in His relation to the chosen race.For thou hast magnified—i.e., the promise made for help and deliverance has been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. The psalmist often speaks of Jehovah’s name, or reputation, or honour being at stake. Here the poet can say that the praise won is even beyond what might have been expected. It is true this would have been expressed more in accordance with our... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 138:1-8

Psalms 138:8 In Unorthodox London (2nd Series, pp. 255-60) C. Maurice Davies describes a service at the City Temple. He says that Dr. Parker took as his text the words, 'Forsake not the works of Thine own hands'. 'He proposed to examine the natural claims we had on God. We did not ask to be here in this world, but here we are, and therefore we had a right by nature, by the state of things in which we found ourselves, to say that, under such circumstances, we ought not to be forsaken. It was... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

Psalms 138:1-8This is the first of a group of eight psalms attributed to David in the superscriptions. It precedes the closing hallelujah psalms, and thus stands where a "find" of Davidic psalms at a late date would naturally be put. In some cases, there is no improbability in the assigned authorship; and this psalm is certainly singularly unlike those which precede it, and has many affinities with the earlier psalms ascribed to David.In reading it, one feels the return to familiar thoughts and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 138:1-8

Psalms 138:0 A Psalm of Deliverance This is a Psalm of David giving praise to the Lord for deliverance. The harp is now no more hanging idle on the willows, but is tuned afresh to praise His Name. It is not alone David’s praise who cried and the Lord answered him, it is the praise of Israel for accomplished deliverance from the exile and therefore the kings of the earth are also mentioned. “All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee O LORD, when they hear the words of Thy mouth.” read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 138:2

138:2 I will worship toward thy holy {b} temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.(b) Both the temple and ceremonial service at Christ’s coming were abolished: so that now God will be worshipped only in spirit and truth, John 4:23. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

Psalms 135:0 Praises God for choosing Jacob (Psalms 135:1-4 ), extols His power in the natural world (Psalms 135:5-7 ), and in the deliverance of His people from Egypt (Psalms 135:8-9 ) and bringing them into the promised land (Psalms 135:10-12 ). All this is in contrast to the vanity of idols (Psalms 135:13-18 ). Psalms 136:0 Is of the same character as the preceding, but is notable for the chorus attached to each verse a chorus with which we have become familiar in other psalms (Psalms 106:1... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 138:1-2

These are short, but most expressive words. Nothing, he saith, shall put his soul out of order in blessing the Lord; even in the presence of all the dunghill-gods of the earth, will he praise the Lord. But what I particularly request the Reader to remark with me, in these words, is the gospel strain of them. David considered himself, one of those whom Jesus makes his people; I mean, kings and priests unto God and the Father. Moses declared that the Israel of God should be unto him a kingdom of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 138:1-5

1-5 When we can praise God with our whole heart, we need not be unwilling for the whole world to witness our gratitude and joy in him. Those who rely on his loving-kindness and truth through Jesus Christ, will ever find him faithful to his word. If he spared not his own Son, how shall he not with him freely give us all things? If God gives us strength in our souls, to bear the burdens, resist the temptations, and to do the duties of an afflicted state, if he strengthens us to keep hold of... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Psalms 138:1-8

Thanksgiving for God's Salvation. A psalm of David, in which he describes the greatness of God's benefits and assures himself and others of His continued presence and faithfulness. v. 1. I will praise Thee with my whole heart, without reserve or hypocrisy; before the gods, the princes or mighty ones of the earth, will I sing praise unto Thee. The true God is to be exalted above all creatures, no matter how great their power and authority. v. 2. I will worship toward Thy holy Temple, for... read more