Psalm 138  

In the previous psalm, not a song could be heard (Ps137:2). Here is a declaration that even the kings of the Nations will sing praise to Yahweh(v4). Ezra, when placing these psalms had an eye for apposition and contrast. In Ps137 we see silence, here we see the excellence of a brave confession. As always, David holds back nothing, he will praise with a whole heart. The gods(Elohim) are the kings and judges later spoken of in v4. Like a compass needle, David’s sacred instinct was to always turn to God in praise. There were reasons behind his adoration – he thought of the great gifts of the lovingkindness of God toward him and God’s firmly established truth (v2.) Notice the high esteem he places on God’s word which is magnified together with His character (NASB)! That is a stunning and remarkable statement. God’s integrity is valued above everything else!

David also had very practical reasons to praise and thank God. Yahweh had answered and rescued him many times (v3.) We can praise God for who He is, but just as important, we can praise God for what He has done for us. If the cross of Christ cannot move us to praise and adoration, then God has no other resource, because all heaven was poured out there!  
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David’s statement in v6 is another way of stating a truth from Prov3:34 that is repeated twice in the NT: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6,1Pet 5:5). Remember Luke18:9-14; the proud Pharisee who pressed as near to God as he could and the poor tac collector, not daring to do so, stood aloof; but who was God near?

As David had considered the greatness of God and His kindness to the humble (vs4-6), it gave him confidence that God would revive him in his present trouble (7-8.) Understanding God’s greatness and kindness builds our faith. This is another way of stating the great promise of Phil 1:6: “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”