Psalm 138 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Psalm 138 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

Previous chapter  Next chapter  Index  Comments or corrections?

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

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

3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

"The Lord .. hath respect unto the lowly." Does God respect anyone?
The word respect has two meanings. When judging people, God respects no one, see for example how it us used in 2 Chr. 19:7. This psalm explains how God looks towards persons in Christ, because only in him are they free from sin:

he looks upon them with a look of love; he has respect to their persons in Christ, and to their sacrifices for his sake, which are those of a broken and contrite heart; he regards their prayers, though low and destitute, and gives more grace unto them; yea, he condescends to dwell with them, and in due time highly exalts them

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

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

Previous chapter  Next chapter  Index  Comments or corrections?