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Psalms 138

Psalms 138 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 138 is a short psalm of thanksgiving from David. It praises God for His faithful love, for hearing prayer, and for strengthening the heart. It also looks outward, trusting that even rulers will one day honor the Lord.

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What happens in Psalms 138?

David thanks God with his whole heart and honors His name above all else. He remembers that God answered him when he called and gave him strength and courage. The psalm widens to picture kings of the earth giving thanks when they hear God's words. It highlights God's nearness to the humble, His distance from the proud, and His care in times of trouble. The closing line expresses confidence that the Lord will complete His purpose and will not abandon what His hands have made.

Psalm 138 comes near the end of Book V in the Psalms, among prayers and songs that stress trust in the Lord's rule. It is a personal psalm of David, yet it also points beyond one person's experience to God's wider honor among all nations and leaders.

Themes to notice

  • ThanksgivingDavid responds to God's goodness with wholehearted praise and gratitude.
  • Prayer and answerThe psalm remembers that God hears, answers, and strengthens when His people call out to Him.
  • Humility and careGod looks closely after the lowly, preserves His people in trouble, and completes His purpose for them.

Questions for Psalms 138

  • What stands out most to you about the reasons David gives for thanking God?
  • How does this psalm describe the difference between the humble and the proud before God?
  • What does it mean to trust that the Lord will fulfill His purpose for your life?

Read the full text of Psalms 138 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 138

A Thankful Heart

Of David.

1I give You thanks with all my heart;

before the gods I sing Your praises.

2I bow down toward Your holy temple

and give thanks to Your name

for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness;

You have exalted Your name

and Your word above all else.

3On the day I called, You answered me;

You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.

4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD,

when they hear the words of Your mouth.

5They will sing of the ways of the LORD,

for the glory of the LORD is great.

6Though the LORD is on high,

He attends to the lowly;

but the proud He knows from afar.

7If I walk in the midst of trouble,

You preserve me from the anger of my foes;

You extend Your hand,

and Your right hand saves me.

8The LORD will fulfill

His purpose for me.

O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever—

do not abandon the works of Your hands.

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