ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 138
“In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.”
Psalms 138:3
The psalmist declares to Yahweh that when he called, he was answered, which sets in motion a theme of divine encouragement and strength in 'my soul'.
What Psalm 138 is about
The psalmist expresses gratitude with his whole heart, singing praises before the gods (vv. 1-2). He bows toward Yahweh's holy temple, giving thanks for His loving kindness and truth. The psalmist recounts a time of prayer when God answered him, providing strength for his soul (v. 3). He declares that all the kings of the earth will also give thanks to Yahweh, having heard His words (vv. 4-5). They will sing of His ways, affirming the greatness of Yahweh's glory. The psalmist acknowledges Yahweh's high position but also His care for the lowly, while the proud are known from afar (v. 6). Despite walking in trouble, the psalmist trusts that Yahweh will revive him and save him from his enemies (vv. 7-8). He concludes with confidence that Yahweh will fulfill His purposes and that His loving kindness endures forever.
Yahweh's loving kindness and faithfulness endure forever, assuring the psalmist of His protection and presence.
Psalm 138 at a glance
- Psalm 138:1–2Thanksgiving and Praise
- Psalm 138:3God's Response to Prayer
- Psalm 138:4–6The Universal Praise of God
- Psalm 138:7–8Divine Protection and Purpose
Key verse: Psalms 138:3
One thing to notice
In verses 4-6, there is a shift from the personal expression of gratitude to a broader acknowledgment of God's glory and the universal nature of His praise, as seen in 'All the kings of the earth will give you thanks' in verse 4.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 138 (WEB)
Thanksgiving and Praise Psalm 138:1–2
1Verse 1. I will give you thanks with my whole heart.Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.2Verse 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.
God's Response to Prayer Psalm 138:3
3Verse 3. In the day that I called, you answered me.You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
The Universal Praise of God Psalm 138:4–6
4Verse 4. All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh,for they have heard the words of your mouth.5Verse 5. Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh;for great is Yahweh’s glory.6Verse 6. For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly;but the proud, he knows from afar.
Divine Protection and Purpose Psalm 138:7–8
7Verse 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.8Verse 8. Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me;your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever.Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 138
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is expressed in verses 1 and 2. The psalmist begins with a commitment to 'give you thanks with my whole heart' and 'sing praises' before the gods. This gratitude is directed towards God for His 'loving kindness' and 'truth,' recognizing His exaltation of His Name and Word. Such expressions reveal the psalmist's deep appreciation for God's character and actions.
God's faithfulness
In verse 3, the psalmist acknowledges God's faithfulness through the statement, 'In the day that I called, you answered me.' This indicates that God is attentive and responsive to the psalmist's needs. The affirmation that God 'encouraged' him with 'strength in my soul' highlights the deep reliance the psalmist has on God's presence and support in difficult times.
Divine protection
Divine protection is expressed in verses 7 and 8. The psalmist proclaims, 'Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me.' Here, God's hand is depicted as a source of salvation amid adversities, showing His nurturing care. This declaration of trust in God's support emphasizes the reassurance the psalmist finds in God's protective presence.
Fulfillment of God's purpose
Verse 8 affirms that 'Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me,' indicating God's active involvement in the psalmist's life. The declaration that His 'loving kindness' endures forever highlights God's commitment to His creation. The request for God not to 'forsake the works of your own hands' reveals the psalmist's awareness of the significance of divine purpose in their life.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 138 unfolds
Psalm 138:1–2 Thanksgiving and Praise
The psalmist expresses gratitude 'with my whole heart' and commits to giving thanks before 'the gods,' acknowledging God’s loving kindness and truth (vv. 1-2).
Psalm 138:3 God's Response to Prayer
The psalmist recounts calling out to God and receiving a direct response, noting that God provided encouragement and strength in a time of need (v. 3).
Psalm 138:4–6 The Universal Praise of God
Acknowledging God's authority, the psalmist anticipates that all kings will thank Yahweh for His word, aligning with a recognition of His greatness and glory (vv. 4-6).
Psalm 138:7–8 Divine Protection and Purpose
The psalmist claims that even amidst trouble, God revives and protects him from enemies, assuring that God's steadfast love will not abandon His creation (vv. 7-8).
Key verses
Psalms 138:3The psalmist declares to Yahweh that when he called, he was answered, which sets in motion a theme of divine encouragement and strength in 'my soul'.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 138
- observeIn v1, what does the psalmist intend to do with his 'whole heart'?
- observeIn v6, who does Yahweh look after according to the verse?
- interpretYahweh's 'loving kindness' in v2: how does it relate to His 'truth' in this psalm?
- interpretIn v7, what does the phrase 'you will revive me' imply about the psalmist's situation?
- applyWhen have you experienced Yahweh's 'right hand' saving you in a difficult time?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 138
- Philippians 1Psalm 138:8 and Philippians 1:6Both affirm God's faithfulness: Psalm 138:8 says, 'Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me,' while Philippians 1:6 states, 'he who began a good work in you will complete it.'
- Psalm 23Psalm 138:7 and Psalm 23:4Both speak of God's protection: Psalm 138:7 says, 'You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,' while Psalm 23:4 states, 'for you are with me.'
- Isaiah 40Psalm 138:3 and Isaiah 40:31Both reflect God's encouragement: Psalm 138:3 says, 'You encouraged me with strength in my soul,' while Isaiah 40:31 states, 'those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength.'
- Psalm 57Psalm 138:8 and Psalm 57:2Both affirm God's response to prayer: Psalm 138:8 states, 'Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me,' while Psalm 57:2 says, 'to God who accomplishes my requests for me.'
- 1 Peter 5Psalm 138:7 and 1 Peter 5:10Both assure of God's restoration: Psalm 138:7 states, 'You will revive me,' while 1 Peter 5:10 says, 'after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.'
- Psalm 71Psalm 138:7 and Psalm 71:20Both affirm God's preservation through trouble: Psalm 138:7 states, 'You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,' while Psalm 71:20 says, 'You will let me live.'
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