Psalms 137:1-138:8

137:1-9 | This psalm of grief recalls the lonely and desolate lives of the Israelites while in captivity in Babylon. The people longed for their native land and longed for God to remember the wrongs done to Jerusalem when it was destroyed. The Israelites even hung their harps – their instruments of praise – because their sorrow was so deep.

138:1 | Here is David’s proclamation that he will testify of the Lord among all audiences (Before the gods I will sing praises to You), even those who reject God. Christians can be unashamed in their praise, because they exalt the only true and living God.

138:2 | In the midst of trouble, David thanks God for His truth and His mercy rooted in His steadfast love for His people (loving-kindness). God’s name encompasses everything about God: all His attributes, all His power, all His grace. Yet, as great as God is, His Word is lifted above all else as proof that it can be trusted.

138:6 | The proud distance themselves from God, believing they do not need Him. By necessity, God deals with them from afar; it is their choice. The lowly recognize their need. In times of humility, the Lord draws near.

138:8 | To Perfect means God is using an experience “to mature or strengthen or complete” His servant. Pressures help to eliminate the unimportant things that separate believers from fellowship with God. In the midst of their troubles, God remakes and renews them.