Ps. 138:0 THE ARGUMENT This is a Psalm of thanksgiving to God for those great deliverances which he had granted to David from Saul and other enemies; by the remembrance whereof David encourageth himself to trust in God in all him future difficulties.

Either, 1. Before the angels, who were represented by the cherubims upon the ark, who are called gods, Ps. 8:5, Ps. 97:7, compared with Heb. 1:6, Heb. 2:7, who also are present in the congregations of God’s people, 1 Cor. 11:10. Or rather, 2. Before kings and princes, by comparing this with Ps.

Toward thy holy temple, where the ark was. He saith toward it, because he was not permitted to enter into it. For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name; for thou hast glorified thy word or promise, or thy faithfulness in fulfilling thy promises unto me, more than any other of thy glorious…

The last clause limits and explains the former, how God answered him so speedily, not by giving him the thing which he desired in that very instant, but by giving him inward support and patience to wait God’s time, and to bear all his troubles cheerfully in the mean time, which was a singular…

Either, 1. All neighbouring kings; or, 2. The generality of kings and princes upon earth. And so this is a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, which seems to be confirmed by the next verse, which expresseth their extraordinary joy; and an eminent advancement of God’s glory, which agrees much…

In the ways of the Lord; or, of, or for, or because of the ways of the Lord, i.e. his wonderful counsel and gracious providences towards themselves and others. Great is the glory; or, great shall be the glory.

Unto the lowly; unto such as are mean and obscure in the world; to me, a poor contemptible shepherd, whom he hath preferred before great princes, and to such as are little in their own eyes.

Walk in the midst of trouble, i.e. be encompassed with dangers. Thou wilt revive me; thou wilt cheer my spirit, and preserve my life. Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand; put forth thy almighty power, to oppose and restrain their rage, and to save me from them, as it follows.

Will perfect that which concerneth me; will finish that great work of my deliverance and advancement, which he hath undertaken and carried on hitherto. Endureth for ever; it is not inconstant and changeable, as men’s affections are, but everlasting.