psalm-138:1-5-esv

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

The goodness of God. There are very few psalms where so much is crowded into a very small compass as in this. The writer in a very few strokes brings out those features in the character of God which make him to be the One who is worthy of our deepest reverence, of our fullest confidence, of our most grateful praise. We have— I. HIS LOVING - KINDNESS . ( Psalms 138:2 .) II. HIS FAITHFULNESS . ( Psalms 138:2 .) The psalmist gives thanks for "thy truth," and goes on to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

Exultation in God. What a contrast between this psalm and the previous one! There the sad-hearted writer asks, "How can we sing?" Here the psalmist can and will do nothing but sing. The effect of this spirit is seen throughout the psalm. I. IT WILL OPENLY CONFESS GOD . ( Psalms 138:1 , Psalms 138:2 .) "Before the gods," meaning, we think, those high princes and potentates—god-like in their majesty, power, and in the abject homage and deference that men paid to them—under... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

I will worship toward thy holy temple . The term "temple" here must designate the tabernacle (comp. Psalms 5:8 ). And praise thy Name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth. "Mercy" and "truth" are God's two highest attributes ( Exodus 34:6 ). They were especially shown to Israel in God's promises and his fidelity to them. For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name. Some would amend the text, and read אמתךָ , "thy truth," for, אמרתךָ "thy Word." But if we keep the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The Word and the Name. In order to understand the declaration of our text, let us— I. INQUIRE THE MEANING OF THE WORD AND THE NAME . 1. The Name . What is the import of this? The expression is one that perpetually occurs in Scripture, and generally it has much the same meaning. In Romans 1:19 , Romans 1:20 it is spoken of as "that which may be known of God;" and he refers to "the things that are made" as a source of such knowledge. Thus St. Paul declares... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

God acting beyond expectation. The term "word," in the last clause of this verse, means "promise." So great are God's promises, and so faithful and complete is his performance of them, as even to surpass the expectations which the greatness of his Name has excited. The psalmist often speaks of Jehovah's Name, or reputation, or honor, being at stake. Here the poet can say that the praise won is beyond anything that could have been anticipated. Generally, the Name of God stands for the whole... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The greatness of the Word of God. "For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name." I. GOD 'S WORD IS GREATER THAN HIS MATERIAL WORK . His word of command was the cause of creation. "Let there be light;" "He commanded, and it stood fast: II. GOD 'S WORD EXPRESSES MORE THAN HIS WORK . God's Word is his uttered thought, and expresses more than the utmost science of nature can utter. Goes beyond all the teachings of chemistry, electricity, etc. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me . Thy answer came to my prayer almost as soon as it was out of my mouth. And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. The promptness of thy answer gave my soul fresh strength. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

Recognized answer to prayer. "In the day that I called thou answeredst me; thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul." Here prayer had evidently been offered for some special thing; what it was we are not told, nor does it greatly matter. Our attention is fixed on the fact that the answer came at once, and was recognized as the answer. We have ways in which we expect answers to come; and because they do not come in the expected ways, we fail to recognize them as answers at all. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

The provision of inward strength. "And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." Whether this precisely renders the thought of the psalmist may be doubtful. It certainly presents a suggestive thought to us. The statement is certainly true of God's ways with us. His best blessings come to the inward, spiritual self—to the true individuality, the real us . The various rendering is, "Thou madest me proud;" the Revised Version gives, "Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul;"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord . The world shall be converted to thy worship when it is seen how promptly and fully thou answerest prayer (comp. Psalms 68:31 , Psalms 68:32 ; Psalms 102:15 ). When they hear the words of thy mouth. The promises that thou makest, and thy performance of them. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 138:4

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