Literary Context
Psalm 138 is a personal song of thanks that looks back on answered prayer and public praise. Earlier lines emphasize that God listens when the speaker calls and strengthens them inwardly (vv. 1â3), and that even kings may recognize Godâs ways (vv. 4â5). Verse 6 contrasts Godâs attention to the lowly with distance from the proud, setting up why the speaker can trust God in threat. Verse 7 continues that trust in vivid images, and the psalm then pushes forward to Godâs ongoing completion of his purposes (v. 8).
