Psalm 138

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. I will praise thee: (1-3)

A. With my whole heart.

B. Before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee.

C. I will worship toward Thy holy temple.

(Note: The temple had not yet been built. David saw it by faith!)

D. I will praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name.

E. In the day when I cried:

1. You answered me.

2. You strengthened me with strength in my soul.

II. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee: (4-6)

A. When they hear the word of Thy mouth.

B. They shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.

C. Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off.

III. In the midst of trouble. (7-8)

A. Thou wilt revive me.

B. Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies.

C. Thy right hand shall save me.

D. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.

E. Thy mercy, O Lord, endures for ever.

F. You will not forsake the works of Thine own hands.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 138,1A אוֹדְךָ {C} MT, Hebr, σ' // usu: m, 11Qa, G, S, T add יְהוָה

Ps 138,1B נֶגֶד MT, 11Qa, Hebr, S, T // lit: G praem ὅτι ἤκουσας τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ στόματός μου

Ps 138,2 עַל־כָּל־שִׁמְךָ {B} MT, 11Qa, α'ε', σ', Hebr, T // facil-synt: G, S clav עַל־כָּל־שֵׁם

Ps 138,3 תַּרְהִבֵנִי {B} MT // ign-lex: α', Hebr, S, T, G (?) σ'

Ps 138,6 יְיֵדָע {A}