May 29, 2019 (Wednesday)
(From The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Commentary:) This Psalm may best be understood as an expression of the gratitude and confidence of Israel after the Return from the Captivity.
Speaking in the name of the people the Psalmist praises the LORD before all the world for the fulfilment of His promises (Psalm 138:1-3); anticipates the impression which the manifestation of His glory will make upon heathen nations (Psalm 138:4-6); and looks forward to the completion of His purposes for His people, in spite of further troubles that may await them (Psalm 138:7-8).
“This Psalm is wisely placed. Whoever edited and arranged these sacred poems, he had an eye to apposition and contrast; for if in Psalm 137 we see the need of silence before revilers, here we see the excellence of a brave confession. There is a time to be silent, lest we cast pearls before swine; and there is a time to speak openly, lest we be found guilty of cowardly non-confession.” (Charles Spurgeon)
New International Version (NIV)
Of David.
I. PRAISE FOR THE PAST (1-3)
1. The Declaration of Praise (1-2a)
1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
2. Reasons for Praise (2b-3)
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
II. CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE (4-8)
1. Praise from the Kings of the Earth (4-6)
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
2. Firm Confidence for the Future (7-8)
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.
8 The Lord will vindicate me;
your love, Lord, endures forever–
do not abandon the works of your hand.
Click here for Easy English Explanations about Psalm 138
Click here for Cambridge Bible Commentary notes on Psalm 138
Click here for Spurgeon’s Treasury of David on Psalm 138
Click here for Enduring Word Commentary notes on Psalm 138
Trusting Jesus
Words, Edgar P. Stites
Music, Ira D. Sankey
1876
Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Click here for a list of Psalms we will study from June 5, 2019 to August 28, 2019