FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 138: Praise in Confidence
Of
David.
[Preliminary
Comments: In this first of eight following psalms attributed
to David, declares his intent to praise and worship the Lord [v.1,2]
for the expressions of His love he has experienced as God turned
up for him when he called to Him [v.3] and he wishes all other
rulers to be able to know and do this as well [v.4,5] though they
need to remember it is the humble or lowly of heart that God blesses
[v.6]. David can testify that he knows God is there for him in
troubles [v.7] and even though others speak badly of him [implied]
the Lord will clear his name [v.8]. A psalm of confidence in the
Lord.]
v.1,2
David declares his intent, to praise God
v.1
I
will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the ‘gods' I will sing your praise.
v.2 I
will bow down towards your holy temple
and will praise your name
v.2b,3
He gives his reasons
for
your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
v.3 When
I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
v.4,5
He desires that all rulers will similarly praise the Lord
v.4
May
all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
v.5 May
they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
v.6
He reminds them [implied] that God blesses the lowly [humble]
v.6
Though
the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
v.7
He declares his trust in the Lord to save him against his enemies
v.7
Though
I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
v.8
He declares his trust that the Lord will clear his name
v.8
The
Lord will vindicate me;
your love, Lord, endures for ever –
do not abandon the works of your hands.
[Additional
Comments: The ability to praise the Lord comes from
the practical outworking of the Lord being there for us.]
Continue
to Psa 139