Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Psalms Chapter 138

Ps 138:1-8.

David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.

1. I will praise thee with my whole heart--(Compare

Ps 9:1).

before the gods--whether angels

(Ps 8:5);

or princes

(Ex 21:6; Ps 82:6);

or idols

(Ps 97:7);

denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.

2. (Compare

Ps 5:7).

thy word above all thy name--that is, God's promise

(2Sa 7:12-16),

sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.

3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it

(Ps 68:29, 31; Isa 4:3).

5. for great is the glory--or, "when the glory shall be great," in God's fulfilling His purposes of redemption.

6, 7. On this general principle of God's government

(Isa 2:11; 57:15; 66:2),

he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies.

knoweth afar off--their ways and deserts

(Ps 1:6).

8. God will fulfil His promise.