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Psalms 138

8 verses

TL;DR

A psalm of praise that expresses deep trust in God’s answered prayers, divine care for the humble, and the universal acknowledgment of His glory.

Summary

The psalmist begins with an affirmation of wholehearted praise and worship toward the LORD, especially before His temple. He acknowledges God’s lovingkindness, truth, and the exalted value of His word. The psalm recounts a personal experience of answered prayer and inner strength during distress. It then calls for all kings of the earth to praise God, highlighting the universal reach of His glory. The psalm reminds that God honors the lowly and is distant from the proud. The psalmist declares that God revives him in trouble, stretching His hand against his enemies and saving him with His right hand. Finally, he affirms that God will perfect his concerns, that His mercy endures forever, and that He will not forsake the works of His own hands.

Outline
  1. Opening proclamation of heartfelt praise and worship toward the LORD.
  2. Acknowledgment of God’s lovingkindness, truth, and the power of His word.
  3. Personal testimony of answered prayer and inner strength.
  4. Invocation that all earthly kings will join in praising God’s glory.
  5. Contrast of God’s care for the humble versus the proud.
  6. Assurance of revival, protection, and divine help in distress.
  7. Affirmation of God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness.
Themes
Praise and worshipFaithful faithfulnessDivine protection for the humble
Keywords
praiseworshipfaithanswer prayergloryhumilityprotectionmercy
People
the LORDkings of the earth
Places
holy temple
Things
whole heartlovingkindnesstruthwordstrengthgloryhandright handmercy
Key Verses
  • Psalms 138:1: Introduces the psalm’s central theme of wholehearted praise.
  • Psalms 138:3: Shows the psalmist’s personal experience of answered prayer and inner strength.
  • Psalms 138:4: Extends the call to praise to all earthly kings, indicating universal recognition of God.
  • Psalms 138:7: Highlights God’s active rescue in times of trouble.
Questions
  • In what ways does the psalmist’s personal testimony of answered prayer strengthen the broader call for all kings to praise the LORD?
  • How does the psalm reconcile God’s care for the humble with His distance from the proud?
  • What practical steps can believers take to align their hearts with the psalmist’s ‘whole-hearted’ praise?
Sentiment

positive
The psalm conveys gratitude, trust, and assurance of divine care.