Psalm 138

This “Psalm of the Word” builds on yesterday’s Psalm in seeing God’s Word and words as cause for praise.  

David is clearly filled with praise.  In v1 he says he will praise God before the gods.  What gods does he refer to?  The word is elohim and means mighty ones. Some believe it refers to angels, as in Job 1:6, Psalm 8:7 and other places..  The context seems to be speaking of the mighty ones of earth (v4) who might consider themselves to be gods.  David is saying he will not be intimidated by anyone; he will sing praise to his God for all to hear.

The two references to God’s word are in vs. 2 and 4.  The singular word (v2) perhaps has in mind the totality of all God has said.  It is His truth.  The plural words (v4) may refer to the specifics of God’s truth.  Every command, promise, warning, and instruction is a cause for praise as we trust and obey in our day to day lives.

What is meant in v2 that You have magnified Your word above all Your name?  Some take it to mean that the greatest manifestation of God is His word revealed to us.  God has a greater reward for His word than for His works.  Heaven and earth may pass away but my words will by no means pass away (Matt. 24:35).  Some even see the Lord Jesus Himself in this passage, for He is the Word Who was God, was with God, made all things, and became flesh (John 1:1-14).  He truly is the most complete and magnificent revelation of God (Heb. 1:1-4).

What words of God in Psalm 138 are worthy of praise?  Perhaps …

o v2: the wonderful relationship of God’s grace and truth.  Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

o v3: the way God strengthens not just our bodies but, more importantly, our very souls.

o v6: the principle found throughout Scripture that God resists and humbles the proud while exalting and giving grace to the humble.

o v7: the testimony of God’s care when we walk in the midst of trouble.  Truly He is the God of all comfort!

o v8: the confidence that He will perfect that which concerns us.  He completes the work He begins in us (Phil 1:6).  All things work together to bring us into conformity to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:28-30).

Let us praise God for His Word and His words!