Read Psalms 138 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 138 is a personal song of thanksgiving in which David praises the Lord with his whole heart, honoring God’s name and His word above all. It testifies that when the psalmist cried, God answered and strengthened him, showing that the Lord is high yet attentive to the humble. The chapter widens from personal gratitude to a global vision: kings of the earth will hear God’s words and recognize His glory. It also teaches confidence in God’s steady purpose—He will not abandon the work of His hands, even when trouble rises. The psalm ends with a firm plea rooted in covenant mercy: because God’s mercy endures, the believer can ask for continued preservation and completion.
Psalms 138:1 - 138:8
1 [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great [is] the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.