Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 138

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

The Lord receives praise before the gods of the nations.

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.

As the Lord's glory fills the earth, people must willingly submit to him. Every king (compare Psalm 2) will join in praise when they learn the Lord's ways of truth and love.

The exalted God cares for the humble (Psalm 138:6), especially his servant, the psalmist (138:7–8).

God is holy and great, far beyond human understanding (see Psalms 99:2; 113:4; Isaiah 6:1; 57:15).

The psalmist trusts in the Lord's perfect plans and prays for God's continued involvement. The psalmist sees himself as part of God’s plans (see Psalms 9:10; 139:14).