Psalms 138
Big idea: A thanksgiving with an unusual audience: before the gods, I will sing praises to you. Whatever that means precisely, the psalmist is singing where the competition can hear. The line that carries the psalm is verse 6 — though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly, but he knows the proud from afar. Height is not distance; it is what makes the stooping possible. And it ends with a request that assumes a job already begun: don't forsake the works of your own hands.
Psalm 138 says God looks after the lowly. Psalm 139 says he knows everything about one of them.
138:1–8 — He looks after the lowly
Eight verses that keep changing altitude. He sings 'before the gods' — a bold place to stand — and expects all the kings of the earth to join in, and then verse 6 states the psalm's actual claim: though Yahweh is HIGH, he looks after the LOWLY, and knows the proud only from a distance. Height is described as improving the view downward rather than removing it.
1 By David. I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all. 3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth. 5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh, for Yahweh’s glory is great! 6 For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar. 7 Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me. 8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).