138:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the {a} gods will I sing praise unto thee.

(a) Even in the presence of angels and of them who have authority among men.

138:2 I will worship toward thy holy {b} temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

(b) Both the temple and ceremonial service at Christ's coming were abolished: so that now God will be worshipped only in spirit and truth, Joh 4:23.

138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] {c} strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.

(c) You have strengthened me against my outward and inward enemies.

138:4 All the {d} kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

(d) All the world will confess that you have wonderfully preserved me, and performed your promise.

138:6 Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth {e} afar off.

(e) Distance of place cannot hinder God to show mercy to his, and so judge the wicked though they think that he is far off.

138:8 The LORD will {f} perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

(f) Though my enemies rage, yet the Lord, who has begun his work in me, will continue his grace to the end.