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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
Psalm 138. This psalm provides a way of offering thanks to God for signs of his constant care. The mention of the "holy temple" (v. 2) has led some to connect the psalm specifically to a thank-offering, which is reasonable (cf. Jer. 33:11). Psalms 138-145 are the final collection of psalms attributed to David.
138:1-3 I Will Give God Thanks for Answering My Prayer. The opening section explains the theme: I give you thanks because on the day I called, you answered me.
138:1 before the gods. This may well refer to the angels, as the Greek Septuagint took it (see 8:5 and note; 29:1). Others suppose these are human rulers (see note on 82:1), while still others think these are false deities. Since the setting is worship in the temple (138:2), the first option is most likely (cf. 1 Cor. 11:10).
138:2 give thanks to your name. See note on 135:1. you have exalted above all things your name and your word. As the ESV footnote indicates, the Hebrew is difficult; the ESV text is more likely than the footnote, though: the particular experience for which the psalm gives thanks shows that God has "exalted" his "name" (to which the singer gives thanks) and his "word" (i.e., his word of promise to care for his servants).
