# Psalm 138 📖: Wholehearted Thanks [[📚 Explore the Bible Books]] [[-Psalm Overview]] | [[Psalm 137]] | [[Psalm 139]] > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] > [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] > [[#🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights]] > [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] > [[#✝️ Christ in This Chapter]] > [[#🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application]] > [[#💬 Discussion Questions]] > [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] > [[#🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference]] > [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] > [[#📂 Internal Notes]] ## 📜 Scripture Text (NET) (The NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, 2005) #### By David. [[#Verse 01.]] I will give you thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly assembly I will sing praises to you. [[#Verse 02.]] I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your name, because of your loyal love and faithfulness, for you have exalted your promise above the entire sky. [[#Verse 03.]] When I cried out for help, you answered me. You made me bold and energized me. [[#Verse 04.]] Let all the kings of the earth give thanks to you, O Lord, when they hear the words you speak. [[#Verse 05.]] Let them sing about the Lord’s deeds, for the Lord’s splendor is magnificent. [[#Verse 06.]] Though the Lord is exalted, he looks after the lowly, and from far away humbles the proud. [[#Verse 07.]] Even when I must walk in the midst of danger, you revive me. You oppose my angry enemies, and your right hand delivers me. [[#Verse 08.]] The Lord avenges me. O Lord, your loyal love endures. Do not abandon those whom you have made. ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary ###### Overall. ###### Verse 01. ###### Verse 02. ###### Verse 03. ###### Verse 04. ###### Verse 05. ###### Verse 06. ###### Verse 07. ###### Verse 08. ## 🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights 1. The heading attributes Psalm 138 to David. 2. It begins the final collection of Davidic psalms in the Psalter (Psalms 138 to 145). 3. "Before the gods" (138:1) may refer to pagan gods, heavenly beings, or human rulers. Interpreters differ. 4. Bowing toward the holy temple (138:2) reflects the practice of praying toward God's house (1 Kings 8:29-30; Daniel 6:10). 5. Verse 2 says God has exalted His word and name in a remarkable way, a phrase that interpreters have long discussed. 6. David expects all the kings of the earth to praise the Lord when they hear His words (138:4). 7. God's high position and His care for the lowly (138:6) are joined, as in Isaiah 57:15. 8. Walking "in the midst of trouble" (138:7) assumes trouble will come but promises God's presence in it. 9. God's right hand (138:7) is a common picture of His power to save (Exodus 15:6). 10. The closing prayer, "Do not abandon the work of Your hands" (138:8), rests on God's commitment to what He has made. ## 🧠 Chapter Summary > [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way. ## ✝️ Christ in This Chapter Christ is the Lord who looks on the lowly (138:6). God will finish what He began in us (138:8), carrying it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). ## 🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application > [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way. ## 💬 Discussion Questions 1. David praises God with all his heart before the "gods" (138:1). What does it look like to praise God boldly in a world full of rival gods? 2. When David called, God answered and gave him strength (138:3). When has God strengthened you inwardly before He changed your situation? 3. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for David (138:8). How does that promise help you face unfinished parts of your life? ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember - 📖 verse 3: When I called out, You answered me and made me bold and energetic. - 📖 verse 6: Though the Lord is exalted, He takes note of the lowly. - 📖 verse 8: The Lord avenges me; Your loyal love endures. Do not abandon those You have made. ## 🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference - 🔗 [[Philippians 01#Verse 06.|Philippians 1:6]] - He who began a good work will complete it. - 🔗 [[Isaiah 57#Verse 15.|Isaiah 57:15]] - God dwells with the humble and contrite. - 🔗 [[1 Kings 08#Verse 29.|1 Kings 8:29-30]] - Praying toward the temple. - 🔗 [[Luke 01#Verse 48.|Luke 1:48]] - He has looked on the humble state of His servant. - 🔗 [[Romans 08#Verse 28.|Romans 8:28]] - God works all things for good. ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection > [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way. ## 📂 Internal Notes