Psalm 138: 1-5, 7-8

The responsorial psalm for this Sunday is an individual prayer of thanksgiving to God, who came to the rescue of the psalmist.

Attributed to King David, this psalm expresses gratitude for God’s past goodness and confidence in his continued grace.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple.

The psalmist’s act of worship is both personal and public, expressing wholehearted gratitude before God. While it’s unclear whether he is physically in the temple or promising to go there, his posture of worship and thanksgiving is directed toward God’s holy dwelling, reinforcing the connection between earthly and heavenly worship.

The presence of angels (’elōhîm) suggests the court of heaven, where they stood in reverence around the throne of God. In Israelite thought, the temple in Jerusalem was seen as an earthly counterpart to this divine dwelling, a place where heaven and earth intersected. It was not uncommon to envision angels as present in some way within the temple, reflecting their role in the heavenly sanctuary.

Thus, temple worship is a cosmic act, done in the presence of both the Lord and his attending heavenly hosts.

I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth:

The reason for the psalmist’s gratitude is God’s faithfulness to the covenant commitment. This is clear from the technical covenant language: lovingkindness (hesed) and truth (’ěmet).

When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.

The psalmist had previously called upon the Lord while in trouble and was heard. Notice how the psalmist doesn’t focus on external victories but rather on the inner transformation he experienced.

Divine assistance is not only about changing circumstances but also about shaping the character of the believer.

All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth; and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD: “Great is the glory of the LORD.”

The psalmist’s personal praise expands into a global vision. The idea that all foreign rulers will acknowledge the greatness of God aligns with prophetic themes found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah, where the nations are called to worship the one true God (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-3, 56:6-7, 66:18-19).

This yearning for universal praise of God is expressed even more strongly in the New Testament, with emphasis on Jesus Christ:

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Your right hand saves me.

The image of God’s right hand is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize power, authority, and victorious deliverance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand was associated with strength and skill in battle, making it a fitting metaphor for God as a mighty warrior who defends his people and defeats their enemies.

It’s important to understand that believers are not shielded from trials; rather, they undergo trials with the assurance of God’s unfailing protection.

The LORD will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.

This closing verse is both a statement of trust and a final plea. The psalmist believes that God’s plans will come to fruition and that his love is eternal. Yet, he also acknowledges human dependence on divine mercy, asking God not to abandon the work he has begun.