Psalms 138 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 138 Psa 138:1-8 . David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness. 1. I will praise thee with my whole heart-- (Compare Psa 9:1 ). before the gods-- whether angels ( Psa 8:5 ); or princes ( Ex 21:6 ; Psa 82:6 ); or idols ( Psa 97:7 ); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.
2. (Compare Psa 5:7 ). thy word above all thy name-- that is, God's promise ( 2Sa 7:12-16 ), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it ( Psa 68:29 , 31 ; Is 4:3 ).
6-7. On this general principle of God's government ( Is 2:11 ; 57:15; 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies. knoweth afar off-- their ways and deserts ( Psa 1:6 ).