Identifying the Book of Psalm 138
Psalm 138 is a psalm attributed to David, expressing gratitude to God for his deliverance and faithfulness. The psalm begins, "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee" [1].
Literary Context
Psalm 138 is part of a collection of psalms attributed to David, and it is situated within the final Davidic collection (Psalms 138-145). This collection is framed by praise and wisdom psalms, with Psalms 138 and 139, along with 145, forming the outer frame around five lament psalms (Psalms 140-144) [7].
Historical Setting
The historical setting of Psalm 138 is not explicitly stated, but various traditions have been proposed. Some attribute its composition to David's experience of being advanced to the throne, possibly between his becoming king over Judah and over all Israel. Others link it to his time in the cave, either Adullam or En-gedi, suggesting that the psalm reflects on his precarious life situation [5, 8].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The psalm contains several key terms and phrases that have been subject to interpretation. The phrase "before the gods" (Psalm 138:1) is significant, as it presents the Lord as the God of gods, emphasizing his superiority over other deities or heavenly beings. The term "gods" here may refer to heavenly beings or rulers, highlighting God's preeminence [7].
Another crucial verse is Psalm 138:8, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." This verse underscores David's trust in God's faithfulness and completion of his purposes. The cross-references provided for this verse include several passages that emphasize God's perseverance and faithfulness, such as Job 10:3, 8; Psalms 57:2-3; and Philippians 1:6 [3].
Range of Interpretations
The interpretations of Psalm 138 vary among commentators. John Gill views the psalm as David's expression of praise upon being advanced to the throne, reflecting on God's support and promise-keeping. Matthew Henry sees it as David's thankfulness for past experiences of God's goodness and his hope for future blessings, both for himself and for others to praise God [5, 6].
The Tyndale House commentary highlights the psalm's themes of God's rescue and perfect plan for his people, as well as the future glorification of God by the nations. They also note the contrast between God's exaltation and his care for the humble (Psalm 138:6), a theme echoed in other biblical passages such as Isaiah 57:15 and Luke 1:48, 51 [7].
Function in Tradition
Psalm 138 has been used in various ways within Jewish and Christian traditions. Its themes of trust in God's faithfulness and the call to praise him have made it a significant part of liturgical and devotional practices. The psalm's emphasis on God's enduring mercy and his care for the humble has resonated across different Christian traditions, including Reformed, Presbyterian, and Baptist/Reformed interpretations [5, 6, 8].
The psalm's language and themes have also influenced later biblical writings and theological reflections. For example, the concept of God's enduring mercy is echoed in various New Testament passages, and the psalm's Christological interpretations have been explored in Christian theology [2, 3, 4].
The closing verse of Psalm 138 underscores David's confidence in God's ongoing work in his life, reflecting a deep trust in God's character and purposes. This trust is rooted in the understanding of God's mercy as enduring forever, a theme that is central to the psalm and resonates throughout biblical literature [3].
Sources
- Psalms “tu cognovisti sessionem meam et resurrectionem meam. -- Psalms 138:2”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 138:1 cross-references: Exodus 22:28, Psalms 9:1, Psalms 9:2, Psalms 57:9, Psalms 82:1, Psalms 82:6, Psalms 86:12, Psalms 95:3, Psalms 96:4, Psalms 103:1, Psalms 111:1, Psalms 119:46, John 10:34, Acts 23:5, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Hebrews 1:14”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 138:8 cross-references: Job 10:3, Job 10:8, Job 14:15, Psalms 57:2, Psalms 57:3, Psalms 71:6, Psalms 71:17, Psalms 100:3, Psalms 100:5, Psalms 103:17, Psalms 136:1, Isaiah 26:12, Isaiah 42:16, Isaiah 43:21, Jeremiah 32:39, John 15:2, Romans 5:10, Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 4:19, Jude 1:1”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 138:3 cross-references: 1 Samuel 30:6, Psalms 18:6, Psalms 27:14, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 29:11, Psalms 34:4, Psalms 34:5, Psalms 34:7, Psalms 63:8, Psalms 77:1, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 40:29, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 65:24, Lamentations 3:57, Daniel 10:18, Daniel 10:19, Zechariah 10:12, 2 Corinthians 12:8, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:11, 1 Peter 5:10”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 138 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 138 A Psalm of David. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by David upon his being advanced to the throne; on account of which he praises the Lord, who had supported him under many exercises, and had made good his promise to him, at least in part; and he firmly believed the accomplishment of the rest, that he would perfect what concerned him, Psa 138:8. It seems as if this psalm was composed between his being king over Judah and over all Israel. Though Theodoret understands the psalm as a thanksgiving of the Jews u”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 138 (introduction): It does not appear, nor is it material to enquire, upon what occasion David penned this psalm; but in it, I. He looks back with thankfulness upon the experiences he had had of God's goodness to him (Psa 138:1-3). II. He looks forward with comfort, in hopes, 1. That others would go on to praise God like him (Psa 138:4, Psa 138:5). 2. That God would go on to do good to him (Psa 138:6-8). In singing this psalm we must in like manner devote ourselves to God's praise and glory and repose ourselves in his power and goodness. A psalm of David.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 138:1: Pss 138–145 In this final collection of psalms of David, praise and wisdom psalms (Pss 138–139, 145) form a frame around five poems of lament (Pss 140–144). Ps 138 In this wisdom psalm, the Lord is presented as the God of gods. He rescued his people and has a perfect plan for them as individuals. The nations will join Israel in glorifying God. 138:1-3 The Lord receives praise before the gods of the nations.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 138 (introduction): Maschil--(See on Psa 32:1, title). When he was in the cave--either of Adullam (Sa1 22:1), or En-gedi (Sa1 24:3). This does not mean that the Psalm was composed in the cave, but that the precarious mode of life, of which his refuge in caves was a striking illustration, occasioned the complaint, which constitutes the first part of the Psalm and furnishes the reason for the prayer with which it concludes, and which, as the prominent characteristic, gives its name. (Psa 142:1-7) with my voice--audibly, because earnestly.”