Psalm138, Above All Things

Of David.

We now begin a sequence of eight psalms (138-145) attributed to David.

Psalm 138:1-2, Exalted above all things

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

 I will bow down toward your holy temple 

and will praise your name

 for your love and your faithfulness, 

for you have exalted above all things 

your name and your word.

YHWH is praised in the temple, "before the gods", as being greater than all things. The Hebrew word elohim, often translated "God" when addressed to YHWH, is plural and can mean "gods". The NIV puts the words in quote marks -- does David believe there are other gods, all inferioro to YHWH? Or is this a "polemic gesture" (Alter) praising YHWH before the empty set of all the gods in whom others believe?

Psalm 138:3-5, You made me bold

 When I called, you answered me; 

you made me bold and stouthearted.

 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, 

when they hear the words of your mouth.

 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, 

for the glory of the LORD is great.

With YHWH's support, David is confident and bold. Indeed, he calls on all the kings of the earth to praise God and sing of His power and righteousness.

Psalm 138:6-7, Looks upon the lowly

 Though the LORD is on high, 

he looks upon the lowly, 

but the proud he knows from afar.

 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, 

you preserve my life; 

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, 

with your right hand you save me.

From high up, the mighty God watches even the lowly and humble. He is close to them, but far from the proud. And He works for David's success and security.

Psalm 138:8, Forever

 The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; 

your love, O LORD, endures forever-- 

do not abandon the works of your hands.

God's love endures forever (see the constant refrain in Psalm 136) and so David calls on God to continue His mighty purpose in David. The last word of this psalm is raphah, meaning to relax, to release, let go slack. The image (says Alter) is of a hand relaxing and dropping something precious. "Don't let go of me!" cries David.

First published November 22, 2025; updated November 22, 2025