Psalms 138
What Happens in This Chapter
This is a song of thanks to God. The writer thanks God for answering him when he called for help. He says kings all over the earth will thank God too. He says God cares about humble people, and he asks God to keep helping him.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
1I will thank you with my whole heart. I will sing songs of praise to you in front of the gods.
"The gods" means the other things people around him called gods and bowed down to.
2I 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.
2I will bow down and face your holy temple. I will thank your name for your steady love and for always keeping your promises. You have lifted your name and your word above everything else.
The temple was the special building in Jerusalem where people worshipped God. People often turned to face it when they prayed.
3In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
3On the day I called for help, you answered me. You made me brave and strong inside.
4All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
4Every king on earth will thank you, LORD. They will thank you when they hear the words you speak.
5Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
5They will sing about the ways the LORD leads people. The LORD is very great.
6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
6The LORD is high above everything. Even so, he cares about people who are humble. He sees proud people, but he stays far away from them.
7Though 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.
7Sometimes I walk right in the middle of trouble. But you keep me alive. You reach out your hand against my angry enemies. Your strong right hand saves me.
8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
8The LORD will finish the good work he is doing for me. LORD, your love lasts forever. Please do not walk away from what your own hands have made.
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