This Bible study on Psalm 138 contains outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, commentary, and applications. Visit our inductive Bible studies for more studies on this and other books of the Bible.
Psalm 138 Inductive Bible Study With Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Give thanks (1-3)
II. Kings will glorify him (4-6)
III. God’s protection and purpose (7-8)
I. Give thanks (1-3)
Discussion Questions
• Who wrote this psalm?
• What is this psalm about?
• What does it mean to give thanks with your “whole heart?”
• What does the phrase mean, “before the gods I will sing your praise?”
• Where should we sing His praises? In front of believers in the church? Or in front of unbelievers out in the world?
• What was David thankful for?
• Is it prideful for God to exalt His own name? Why is it right for Him to do so?
• How does God increase our strength?
• Share a testimony of something that you are thankful for.
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
James 1:17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
1 Chronicles 16:8 – Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. I give thanks – Many of the psalms are a record of the prayer life between the writer (in this case, David) and the Lord. David made the decision to give thanks to the Lord. Looking at the body of the psalms he wrote, it is clear that thanking God was a big part of David’s prayer life. And he didn’t only thank God when things were going well but also in the midst of serious trials.
David was thankful with his “whole heart.” It wasn’t just a passing phase. Neither was it a temporary response to some good news in his life. The gratitude he felt was genuine and from the heart.
Application – Is your life typified by a grateful spirit? Do you find that you naturally tend to complain or express gratitude? How can you develop a heart of thanksgiving?
Like all character qualities, practice is important. The more we intentionally speak words of thanks to the Lord and people, the more easy and natural it will become for us. Also, we should spend time meditating on God’s goodness and the blessings in our lives. As we count our blessings, we will realize that we indeed do have a lot to be thankful for!
2. Before the gods I sing your praise – This phrase is a bit tricky. The word he uses for “gods” is “elohim,” which occasionally can refer to angels. He could be saying that he is going to praise God before the angels.
The more likely possibility is that he is declaring his allegiance to God alone above all others (Psalm 86:8). While he most likely would not go into an idolatrous temple merely for the purpose of singing praise songs to the Lord, he would worship God everywhere, including in front of idolatrous people. David was not afraid to tell the world he was a follower of Yahweh. He was not afraid to testify of the Lord’s goodness in front of his enemies.
Application – It can be easier for us to identify ourselves as followers of God among other believers. When we are with the brethren, we feel comfortable. They will accept and welcome us. On the other hand, if we identify as a follower of Jesus out in the world, we often are received differently. Some people become angry, hostile, and unwelcoming. That pressure could cause us to be silent about our faith. David’s example should remind us to boldly stand for Christ even out in the world where our faith may be ridiculed.
Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
3. You have exalted above all things your name and your word –
If we ask people to praise us or if we tell people how great we are, then that is pride. But God does this all the time. How can a perfect God seek His own glory?
Reflect – What would you say to someone who asks why God is concerned for His own glory?
This is a good question. Sooner or later, most Christians will ask it. I answered with an illustration.
Let’s say that I am an author. I spend thousands of hours writing a book. It’s a very good book. But just before I get it published, someone steals my manuscripts. They then publish the book in their own name as if it is theirs. After that, they get the credit and the profit from the book that I wrote. As the rightful author, what should I do? Am I justified in taking up the case, going to the bookstores, or to the court and showing proof that I wrote the book?
I believe I am. It is my work, my creation. It is right and just that I receive the credit. Is that pride? No, that is justice. On the other hand, the person who is trying to steal the credit is sinning. He is trying to take what is rightfully mine and that is not just.
The same is true for a painting. If you painted a beautiful picture, you would not like it if someone erased your signature and added their own.
This can help us to understand why God seeks praise and glory for all the things He has done. He is the Creator. He is the redeemer. He is the King. He deserves the glory for what He has done. If someone else tries to take glory for themselves, it is unjust and robbing God.
When we try to glory to ourselves for our successes or achievements, we are taking it away from its rightful owner, God.
Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
God has exalted His name and His word because it is right and just to do so. By lifting those up, it enables everybody to see God for who He is. And when we see God and focus on God, that gives us perspective. It teaches us to be humble. And as we serve Him (because He is the highest), we are more joyful because we are doing what He has designed us to do.
4. My strength of soul you increased – God is our help and our strength. He will give us the strength we need to accomplish the tasks He gives to us. When David prayed, God gave him exactly what he needed.
II. Kings will glorify him (4-6)
Discussion Questions
• When will the statement that “all the kings of the earth shall give you thanks” be fulfilled?
• Will this literally happen or is it a prayer of hope?
• In what ways is God glorious?
• What does it mean that He “regards the lowly?”
• What does this teach us about His character?
• Why does He care about poor and wretched sinners?
• What does it mean that “the haughty He knows from afar?”
Cross-References
Habakkuk 2:14 – For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Psalms 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Psalms 86:9 – All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. All the kings of the earth shall praise you when they hear the words of your mouth –
During David’s time, he was probably one of the only kings in the world who worshiped Yahweh. David looked forward to the day when others would praise God as he did.
This verse can be taken as a prophecy that one day in the future all kings will turn to God. Most likely, this will be literally fulfilled at the beginning of the millennial kingdom.
At that time, Jesus will reign from Jerusalem. Unbelievers will have been judged. And at least at the beginning of the millennium, it is likely that every person on earth will be a believer. At that time, it will not be only Israel following the Lord, but all the nations.
We see this in Isaiah 2:2-4.
Isaiah 2:2-4 – It shall come to pass in the latter days
that the mountain of the house of the Lord
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be lifted up above the hills;
and all the nations shall flow to it,
and many peoples shall come, and say:
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall decide disputes for many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war anymore.
Other passages which allude to the fact that Christ will rule over the whole world include Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-10, 16:5, 32:1, 40:1-11, 52:7-15, 55:4, Micah 4:1-8, 5:2-5, and Zechariah 9:9, 14:16-17.
2. They shall sing of the ways of the Lord – David hoped that others would experience the same joyful relationship with the Lord that he had. His desire was not to keep this special experience for himself but to share it.
This is a clear statement of faith, made possible only by David’s supreme confidence in the Lord’s ability to influence people and draw them to Himself. It was difficult to imagine that the pagan nations around Israel at that time would turn to God, but David believed it.
Similarly, it is difficult for us to see evidence of that today. Nations appear more godless than ever. Yet because of the many prophecies in Scripture, we can be sure that one day the nations will indeed stream to Jerusalem to worship Christ there.
Application – Why wait? We need not wait for others to start praising Him. We should start now! Perhaps God wants to use you as a witness to the lost around you so that they too will sing of the ways of the Lord.
3. The Lord regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar –
In Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message that she will give birth to Jesus, she makes a similar comment.
Luke 1:52-53 – He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Jesus also noted the same principle in Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:3-5 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
The Lord never looks with disdain on the poor or lowly. Rather, they are valuable in His sight. He loves the widow, the afflicted, and the oppressed. God does not care about outer appearance. He is not interested in one’s economic position. Instead, He looks at the heart. He is looking for those who have a broken and contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17). Those are the ones who will be teachable.
The proud seek their own glory. They are stiff-necked and not open to Him. Therefore He opposes them, but He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6-7).
Application – Let us humble ourselves before the Lord. Pride can rear its ugly head in many forms. Here are just a few manifestations of pride.
• Lack of teachability.
• Interrupting others to share our opinions.
• Comparing ourselves favorably with others.
• A spirit of complaining (thinking that we deserve for everything to go smoothly).
• Talking about ourselves and not asking about the welfare of others.
• Boasting.
• Self-reliance.
Spend some time evaluating yourself and ask God to reveal to you any pride that you have. Confess that to Him and ask Him for a heart of humility.
III. God’s protection and purpose (7-8)
Discussion Questions
• What kind of trouble did David experience?
• What kind of trouble do you experience?
• What are some specific ways God protected David in the midst of those troubles?
• How could reminding himself of God’s goodness encourage David during those times of trial?
• How did God use David’s life to accomplish His purposes (share some specific ways)?
• What was David’s final request in this passage?
• What is the work of God’s hands that David may was referring to?
• What promises can you review to receive strength and encouragement when you face trials?
Cross-References
John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:4 – The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Job 42:2 – I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life – David acknowledged that God had miraculously saved him many times. While David was a shrewd warrior, his survival was thanks to God’s protection, not his own wit.
Reflect – What are some specific ways God protected David in the midst of those troubles?
Someone once said that until God’s time for us is up, we are immortal. Scripture is filled with examples of God working (sometimes supernaturally and sometimes providentially through nature) to save His people from danger.
• He opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape Egypt (supernatural).
• The magi were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod (supernatural).
• Paul escaped persecution by being lowered from the walls of the city in a basket without detection (providential).
• Paul and his companions all survived a dangerous shipwreck (providential).
Share – Do you have a testimony of God’s protection in your life?
2. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me – David realized that God had a purpose for his life. He was safe until that purpose was accomplished.
David’s prayer reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us. Our life is not the result of random chance. We are here because we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God designed us. He put us into this world for a specific purpose. Our job is to be sensitive to His leading so that we can discover that purpose and willingly cooperate with Him to fulfill it.
This is the “why” of our existence. Not knowing the “why” can lead to discouragement and aimlessness.
Every believer should be clear about their purpose in life. Having a clear vision can help act as a rudder to guide us in making decisions. We will better know when to say “no” to certain things and to what things we should say “yes.”
Application – Try to write down a simple vision statement of what you discern to be God’s purpose for your life. He certainly may intend to do more things through us than we realize. But if we could have an idea about the direction He has planned for us, that would encourage us to stay on track.
3. Do not forsake the work of your hands – The work of His hands is likely a reference to David himself. David recognized that He was created by God and for God. His life itself was God’s work.
That is true for each of us. God created the world in six days, and then His “work” of creation stopped. We often do not think of God as working, but He does. He continues to work in this world. And He works in you.
God has a lot invested in you. Therefore He is not likely to abandon you and lose His investment.
David’s prayer is that God continues to watch over his life and never “forsake” him. And God does not make this promise toward those who are His.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Leave A Comment