Psalm 138

Introduction.—Ps. 138 is a psalm of gratitude. The psalmist exhibits courage, fortitude, and fidelity and pledges to acknowledge his Lord before all the gods of the heathen or before kings and rulers in authority.

On the superscription see p. 616.

1. Gods. Heb. Хelohim, here probably the heathen gods. The psalmist does not think these heathen gods have any real existence; he refers to them only as they existed in the thoughts of their worshipers. The LXX renders Хelohim by “angels,” as in Ps. 8:5 (see comments there; see also Vol. I, p. 171).

2. Above all thy name. The LXX renders the clause, “for thou hast magnified thy holy name above every thing.” This reading avoids the obvious difficulty of considering God’s word above God’s name, inasmuch as “name” often stands for “person” or “character” (see on Ps. 7:17). However, here “name” may be thought of in the sense of reputation. Jehovah’s name, or reputation, had been greatly dishonored because of the sins of Israel. The fulfillment of the word, or promise, of God would tend to restore confidence in the good name of Israel’s God.

4. Praise thee. When the kings of earth hear what God does for His people, they also will join in praise. The psalmist enters upon his mission to tell others of God’s goodness with full assurance of realizing his objective.

5. They shall sing. When once a man knows and obeys the ways of God he has every reason for singing.

6. Lowly. Although God is exalted high above heaven, He stoops low to touch the humble of earth. He looks graciously upon the poor in spirit and has promised to dwell with them (Isa. 57:15). “Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above” (DA 301).

Proud. Self-conceit is an insuperable barrier between man and God. Pride was the sin that led to Lucifer’s fall (Isa. 14:13, 14).

8. The Lord will perfect. Compare Phil. 1:6.

Thine own hands. The psalmist appeals to God as his Creator. When we thus recognize God we have a basis for trusting Him to supply our needs.

Ellen G. White comments

6 DA 301; FE 371