Psalm 138

Thank you, Lord

Thanks for your stubborn love

A psalm of David [1]

1Thank you. With all my heart, thank you.
I’ll sing your praises to nations with other gods. [2]
2I’m going to face your holy Temple and bow.
I’m going to thank you for your persistent love
And for your devotion to me.
Because of who you are,
The words you speak and your very name
Are greater than those of anyone else.
3When I asked you to help me,
You helped me.
You inspired me,
Pouring boldness into my backbone
And courage into my soul.
4Kings all over the world
Will honor you with praise
When they hear what you have to say.
5They’ll sing about what the LORD has done,
For he has done wonderful things.
6The LORD is above us all,
Yet he takes care of the lowest among us.
As for proud folks, he keeps his distance.
7When I come face to face with trouble,
You give me the strength I need.
You reach out and give me a hand
As I deal with angry enemies.
8The LORD will see that I get justice.
Dear LORD, your love never quits.
So, don’t give up on those you’ve created,
Since we’re the work of your very own hands.

Footnotes

Intro Notes for Psalms

Intro Notes for Book 5 of 5 In Psalms

1138:1

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. And the possible byline “of David,” isn’t necessarily a byline. The vague phrase could mean the song was written by David, about David, or was inspired by David. Almost half of the psalms are attributed to David in this way, 73 of 150. Ancient Jewish history tells of David playing a lyre and writing songs. For one, he wrote a song of mourning at the battlefield death of King Saul and his sons: “How have the mighty fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:19-27 New American Standard Bible). An ancient Jewish scroll from about the time of Jesus, discovered among the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, reports that David wrote 3,600 songs.

2138:1

Literally “gods,” with no mention of nations. Some translations say “angels,” or “divine beings.” “Gods” possibly refers to the lifeless idols of neighboring nations defeated by God. The Hebrew word is Elohim. It’s translated in the Bible several ways, depending on the context: gods, angels, rulers, judges, divine ones, or God himself.