By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
OUR RESPONSE
Psalm 138:1–8
Our psalm this week comes from Book Five (Psalms 107–150), which is a collection of collections. Psalms 138–145 are the final collection of eight Davidic psalms, followed only by the Hallelujah psalms (146–150), each one noted for their opening and closing Hebrew verses which read “hallelu-Yah” (You all praise Yahweh).
As we will see in the text David points out his circumstances do not dictate his worship. In this psalm, he demonstrates both boldness in the midst of foes and humility in the presence of God.
I Will Thank (1–3)
Wholehearted thanks — this is what our Master is worthy of receiving. David expressed his intent to praise with hands extended (“I will give You thanks”) and voice extolling (“I will sing Your praise”) his heart’s delight in the midst of the gods. Whether this was meant to refer to kings, judges, false gods or the one true God, David was committed to singing praises. Note from the HCSB footnote in verse 1 that the Hebrew text reads “Elohim.”
During his time among the Philistines, David was in the midst of their idols and he would likely have bowed down toward the “temple” (tabernacle).
The holy of holies was called the temple in David’s day, before Solomon’s temple was built (1 Sam. 3:3). Daniel would later bow down during the Babylonian Captivity, facing Jerusalem and the temple ruins (Dan. 6:10).
To what day is David referring in verse 3? Perhaps it was the day he called on the Lord to give him strength in the valley of Elah against the Philistine warrior Goliath (1 Sam. 17:45–47).
Jesus is our David, who faced the twin giants of sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, He took upon Himself the wrath of God for our sin, and then He rose from the dead to demonstrate the ransom was paid.
They Will Bow (4–6)
David bowed down to thank the Lord for His Word, His name, His constant love and truth. He also anticipated that the kings of the earth would bow down before God, giving thanks and singing about the ways of the Lord. Here we catch a glimpse of God’s redemptive plan for the nations.
We also see God’s sovereign authority, in that even global rulers will kneel before the word and name of God. As Paul wrote: “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow … and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11).
John also instructs us, adding that those who sing the song of the redeemed and bow with their faces to the ground come from every tribe, language, nation and people (Rev. 5:9; 7:9–12).
God Will Fulfill (7–8)
God is exalted and we are lowly. Our problem is that we often act like little children looking through the wrong end of a telescope. We exalt ourselves and consider God small. Yet He extends His grace to us.
God preserves. When we walk into the middle of trouble, He revives believers. Not only does He preserve us, but He also breathes life into us.
God protects. He does so by holding our enemies at bay while delivering us with His right hand of favor.
God purposes. He has a plan and He will fulfill His purposes for our lives.
God perseveres. His love/mercy/covenant-commitment knows no end.
“He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
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