18 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

"I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods, I will sing praises to You." (Psalm 138:1)

David, the author of this psalm, pledges to praise God wholeheartedly, a testament to his complete devotion. The term "before the gods" likely refers to false gods. This demonstrates David's commitment to worship God regardless of his environment. Today, this serves as a reminder to praise God wholeheartedly, whether in public or private.

For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. (Psalm 138:2)

Why has God magnified His Word above all His Name?

A name is only as good as the word of the person behind that name. A man’s name is esteemed only when his words are good. The integrity of a person is implicitly communicated by their given name.

This is why Proverbs 22:1 declares, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches...” Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment...” God’s name is magnified because He is faithful to keep His Word. The nature and character of God’s Name are revealed through His Word. As a result, God will not endorse anything in His Name that He has not sanctioned via His Word.

God will confirm His Word when it is carried out in His Name (Mark 16:20). Because God’s Name is holy, He has chosen to sanctify it by magnifying His Word above His Name.

"Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6)

Though God is exalted, He pays attention to the humble. This is a timeless message against pride and humility. James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble."

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)

This is another way of stating the incredible promise found in Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Chapter 138