Psalm 138 Temple Reference and Historical Context
Psalm 138 is a psalm of David that expresses gratitude to God for his deliverance and faithfulness. The psalm begins, "I will give you thanks with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise; I will bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name" (Psalm 138:1-2, BBE) [1].
Literary Context
The psalm is part of a collection of psalms attributed to David (Psalms 138-145). These psalms form a distinct unit within the Psalter, with Psalms 138 and 145 serving as a frame around a series of lament psalms (Psalms 140-144) [6]. Psalm 138 is characterized as a wisdom psalm, presenting the Lord as the God of gods who rescues his people and has a perfect plan for them.
Historical Setting
The historical setting of Psalm 138 is not explicitly stated, but it is generally thought to have been written by David upon his being advanced to the throne, possibly between his becoming king over Judah and over all Israel [2]. This period of David's life was marked by significant challenges and God's faithfulness to him.
Temple Reference
The reference to the "holy temple" in Psalm 138:2 is significant. The term "temple" (Hebrew: היכל, hekhal) is used to denote the earthly dwelling place of God among his people. In the context of David's reign, this likely refers to the tabernacle or the site where the temple would later be built. The use of "temple" rather than "tabernacle" may indicate a more permanent or idealized conception of God's dwelling [3].
The temple is a central theme in Jewish tradition, with the Babylonian Talmud discussing the relationship between the tabernacle and the temple. According to the Talmud, the temple is also referred to as the tabernacle, as stated in Leviticus 26:11, "And I will set My Tabernacle among you" [4, 5].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "before the gods" (Psalm 138:1) is a point of interest among commentators. Some interpret this as a reference to the gods of the nations, while others see it as a poetic expression of God's supremacy [6]. The term "holy temple" is also subject to interpretation, with some understanding it to refer to the heavenly temple or God's presence among his people [8].
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of Psalm 138 vary among traditions. John Gill understands the psalm as a celebration of David's advancement to the throne and God's faithfulness to him [2]. Matthew Henry sees the psalm as an expression of David's gratitude for God's goodness and his confidence in God's continued faithfulness [7]. Rashi, a Jewish commentator, interprets the "works of Your hands" in Psalm 138:8 as referring to the temple [3].
Function in Tradition
Psalm 138 has functioned in various ways within Jewish and Christian traditions. In Jewish tradition, the psalm is part of the daily prayer liturgy in some communities. Christian commentators have seen the psalm as a model for expressing gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness. Calvin, for example, references the temple as a "house of prayer" in his discussion of public worship [9].
The psalm's emphasis on God's faithfulness and presence among his people has made it a significant text in various theological and liturgical contexts. The temple reference in Psalm 138:2 serves as a reminder of God's dwelling among his people and his commitment to their well-being.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 138:2 (BBE) — I will give worship before your holy Temple, praising your name for your mercy and for your unchanging faith: for you have made your word greater than all your name.”
- 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”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Psalms 138:8: the works of Your hands The Temple, about which is stated (Exod. 15:16): “Your hands established.””
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 16b.4: The Gemara questions its previous assumption: Granted, the Temple is also called Tabernacle, as it is written: “And I will set My Tabernacle among you” (Leviticus 26:11), where the reference is to the Temple, as the verse is referring to that which will transpire after the Jewish people have settled in their land. But from where do we derive that the Tabernacle is also called Temple? If we say that it is derived from that which is written: “And the Kehatites, the bearers of the Temple, set forward” (Numbers 10:21), that instance of the term Temple is not writt”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 99b.32:4: The Gemara questions its previous assumption: Granted, the Temple is also called Tabernacle, as it is written: “And I will set My Tabernacle among you” (Leviticus 26:11), where the reference is to the Temple, as the verse is referring to that which will transpire after the Jewish people have settled in their land. But from where do we derive that the Tabernacle is also called Temple? If we say that it is derived from that which is written: “And the Kehatites, the bearers of the Temple, set forward” (Numbers 10:21), that instance of the term Temple is not wr”
- 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 (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 (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 11:4: temple . . . heaven--The connection seems to denote God's heavenly residence; the term used is taken from the place of His visible earthly abode (Psa 2:6; Psa 3:4; Psa 5:7). Thence He inspects men with close scrutiny.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: knows not what it is to pray apart, in retirement, or at home. On the other hand, he who neglects to pray alone and in private, however sedulously he frequents public meetings, there gives his prayers to the wind, because he defers more to the opinion of man than to the secret judgment of God. Still, lest the public prayers of the Church should be held in contempt, the Lord anciently bestowed upon them the most honourable appellation, especially when he called the temple the “ house of prayer ,” ( Isa. 56:7 ). For by this expressio”