The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

I will praise thee with my whole heart (comp. Psalms 9:1; Psalms 111:1). Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Some suppose the expression, "before the gods," to mean "before the great ones of the earth," and quote Psalms 119:46 as parallel.

Others think that the imaginary vain gods of the heathen are intended.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 138:1-5When we can praise God with our whole heart, we need not be unwilling for the whole world to witness our gratitude and joy in him. Those who rely on his loving-kindness and truth through Jesus Christ, will ever find him…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1-8The goodness of God. There are very few psalms where so much is crowded into a very small compass as in this. The writer in a very few strokes brings out those features in the character of God which make him to be the O…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1-8Exultation in God. What a contrast between this psalm and the previous one! There the sad-hearted writer asks, "How can we sing?" Here the psalmist can and will do nothing but sing. The effect of this spirit is seen thr…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1-8EXPOSITION A CLUSTER of Davidical psalms here follows. It is not easy to trace any single line of thought connecting them all, or to explain how they come to be so entirely separated from the great bulk of the Davidical…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1-3Valiant for the Lord. The Septuagint ascribes this psalm to Haggai or Zechariah. It can hardly be by David. But it was by some greatly tried but triumphant saint. I. SEE HOW HE STANDS UP FOR GOD. Note his boldness. Not…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1Unity, entireness, and sincerity in worship. "With my whole heart." The tenor and tone of the psalm suggest the authorship of Zerubbabel or of Nehemiah. Some important success had evidently been just gained; but there w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 138:1The term gods as a synonym for great ones. The allusion may be to the rulers of Israel (Psalms 119:46). The 'Speaker's Commentary,' however, thinks the meaning can only be this, "Before, or in presence of, the gods of t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors