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Psalm 138 | King James Audio Bible
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Psalm 138, a psalm of David, opens with a declaration of wholehearted praise. The psalmist commits to singing praises before the gods, a gesture of both defiance and faith. This act, set against a backdrop of a polytheistic world, underscores the psalmist’s devotion to the one true God.
The psalm expresses worship in the holy temple, honouring God’s name for His lovingkindness and truth. This reverence is grounded in the belief that God’s word holds supremacy, even above His name, highlighting the power and importance of God’s promises and commandments.
Verse three expressing a personal relationship with God, acknowledging a moment of divine intervention: ‘In the day when I cried thou answeredst me.’ This personal testament to God’s responsiveness in times of need expresses intimacy and gratitude.
The fourth verse expands the scope to include all the kings of the earth, predicting their future praise of God upon hearing God’s words. This universal acknowledgment of God’s supremacy speaks to the far-reaching impact of His word and deeds.
Verse five expresses once more universal praise, with focus on the glory of the Lord. Here, the psalmist anticipates a time when all will sing of God’s ways, celebrating God’s greatness.
The sixth verse introduces a contrast between God’s transcendence and His attention to the humble. Despite being high, God shows respect to the lowly, while keeping distance from the proud. This verse emphasizes God’s justice and preference for humility over arrogance.
In verse seven, the psalmist returns to a personal narrative, speaking of God’s protection in the midst of trouble. Imagery of God stretching forth His hand against the wrath of enemies and using His right hand to save, offers a vivid portrayal of divine rescue and strength.
The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God’s enduring mercy and a plea for the Lord not to forsake the works of His hands. This final verse encapsulates a trust in God’s continued presence and care, sealing the psalmist’s faith in divine providence and everlasting love.
Psalm 138 | King James Audio Bible
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
I 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.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Though 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.
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Psalm 138 | King James Audio Bible
Pope Benedict XVI offered reflections on Psalm 138 (Psalm 137 in the Vulgate). During his General Audience on December 7, 2005, Pope Benedict emphasized the psalm as a Judaic hymn of thanksgiving, notable for its personal expression of gratitude and adoration toward God. Pope Benedict highlighted that the psalm opens with a declaration of worship before the holy temple in Jerusalem, representing a space where the divine and the earthly meet. The psalmist’s confidence in God’s virtues of faithfulness and mercy, and the acknowledgment of divine responsiveness in times of distress, were key points of focus.
Pope Benedict also interpreted the psalm in a universalistic context, where the testimony of the psalmist extends to envision all the earth’s kings joining in praise of the Lord. This vision of universal praise was seen as indicative of the future Church of the pagans, forming a future universal Church. The psalm’s reflection on God’s exalted nature yet His affection for the lowly, as well as His rejection of the proud, was highlighted as an essential message not only for rulers but for all individuals.
Finally, Pope Benedict’s reflection conveyed a message of trust and hope, emphasizing belief in God’s eternal goodness and God’s commitment to not forsake His creations. This psalm becomes a source of comfort and assurance, reinforcing the belief that despite life’s trials, believers are never alone and always within God’s care
In another commentary, Pope Benedict XVI described the psalm as a song of confidence, affirming God’s constant presence with us, even in life’s darkest nights and most challenging moments. He noted that the Lord accompanies us even in the final solitude of death, offering a profound sense of comfort and reassurance to Christians that they are never alone. Pope Benedict XVI’s reflection also included insights from St. Gregory the Great, who emphasized the importance of every individual in the Christian community, regardless of their spiritual strength. This inclusive interpretation underlined the role of even the weakest believers in contributing to the Church’s structure, grounded in their love for God and neighbour to the best of their understanding
Psalm 138 | King James Audio Bible
- Wholehearted Praise And Worship: The psalm begins with a declaration of praise and worship towards God with a whole heart, signifying complete and sincere devotion.
- God’s Supreme Word: There is an emphasis on the magnificence of God’s word and truth, highlighting that God’s word is exalted above all His name, reflecting the power and importance of His promises and commandments.
- Divine Response And Strength: The psalmist acknowledges God’s responsiveness to his cries for help and the strength provided by God in times of distress, emphasizing God’s attentiveness and support.
- Universal Recognition Of God: The psalm predicts that all kings of the earth will eventually praise God, recognizing His supreme authority and the impact of His word and deeds.
- Contrast Between God’s Majesty And Humility: Despite God’s transcendence, He shows respect and attention to the lowly, while distancing Himself from the proud, illustrating God’s preference for humility over arrogance.
- Protection And Salvation: The psalmist speaks of being surrounded by troubles, yet trusting in God’s ability to protect and save him from his enemies, symbolizing God’s role as a protector and saviour.
- Enduring Mercy And Faithfulness: The psalm concludes with a trust in God’s ongoing presence and care, affirming the everlasting nature of His mercy and the plea for God not to forsake the work of His hands, indicating a deep faith in God’s enduring commitment to His people.
In this meditation, Baldwin of Canterbury reflects on the enduring biblical phrase ‘Love is as strong as death’ (Song of Songs 8:6), drawing a sharp and deliberate contrast between two forces — one that ends life, and one that restores it. Death, in Baldwin’s view, is not simply the end of physical existence, but the boundary that love refuses to accept. The passage reveals a deep confidence in Christ’s power not only to endure death but to reverse its finality [ … ]
Jesus contrasts those who are ready in their hearts to receive the Word of God with those for whom the Word remains obscured. A body of disciples, followers and believers, has begun to form around Jesus. These are they who have understanding, not particularly in an intellectual fashion, but rather because they are lovingly receptive, whereas lack of love opens the door of the soul to the devil. Jesus’ disciples are disposed to conversion, to permit God’s grace to transform their lives. We understand in these verses a contrast between Christian faith and lack of faith [ … ]
King James Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version King Herod There were several individuals named Herod who played significant roles in ancient history, particularly in the history of the Roman Empire and the region of Palestine. Here is a brief overview of the most notable Herods: Herod the Great: Also known as Herod I, he was a Roman client king of Judea, ruling from 37 BC to 4 BC. He is perhaps most famous for his role in the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, in which it is said that he ordered the slaughter of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. Herod Antipas: Also known as Herod II, he was the son of Herod the Great and ruled over Galilee and Perea, two regions in Palestine, from 4 BC to 39 AD. He is mentioned in the New Testament as the ruler who imprisoned John the Baptist and later had him beheaded. Herod Agrippa I: Also known as Herod III, he was the grandson of Herod the Great and ruled over Judea from 41 to 44 AD. He is mentioned in the New Testament as the ruler who imprisoned the apostle Paul. Herod Agrippa II: Also known as Herod IV, he was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and ruled over parts of Palestine and Syria from 50 to 100 AD. He is mentioned in the New Testament as the ruler who heard Paul’s defence before the Roman governor Festus. These rulers, who were known as the Herodian dynasty, were not Jewish but rather descended from a Greek family that had converted to Judaism. Despite this, they were appointed as rulers by the Roman Empire and were generally unpopular among the Jewish population due to their collaboration with the Roman occupation and their often brutal methods of rule. Herod The Great Herod the Great, also known as Herod I, was a Roman client king of Judea who ruled from 37 BC to 4 BC. He was born in 73 BC in Idumea, a region in southern Palestine, and was the son of Antipater the Idumean, an Edomite who had been appointed as a governor of Judea by the Roman general Pompey. Herod rose to power after the Roman general Julius Caesar appointed him as king of Judea in 40 BC. He consolidated his power over the next few years by defeating his rivals and establishing himself as the undisputed ruler of the region. As king, Herod embarked on a massive building program that included the expansion and renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem, the construction of the port city of Caesarea Maritima, and the fortification of several cities in Judea. He also commissioned the construction of a number of palaces and other buildings, including the famous Herodium, a palace-fortress located south of Jerusalem. Despite his many accomplishments, Herod was a controversial figure who was known for his harsh rule and his willingness to use violence to maintain his power. He was married several times and had a large number of children, several of whom he had executed when they posed a threat to his rule. One of the most famous stories associated with Herod is the biblical account of the birth of Jesus, in which it is said that he ordered the slaughter of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. According to the New Testament, Jesus was saved by his parents, who fled to Egypt, and later returned to Palestine after Herod’s death. Herod died in 4 BC at the age of 70, leaving a legacy as one of the most significant rulers in the history of ancient Palestine. Herod Antipas Herod Antipas, also known as Herod II, was the son of Herod the Great and ruled over Galilee and Perea, two regions in Palestine, from 4 BC to 39 AD. He was born in 20 BC and was named after his father’s patron, the Roman emperor Augustus. Like his father, Herod Antipas was known for his ambitious building projects, including the construction of the city of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee and the expansion of the Temple in Jerusalem. He was also known for his political cunning and his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the Roman Empire. Herod Antipas is mentioned in the New Testament as the ruler who imprisoned John the Baptist, a prominent religious figure who criticized Herod’s marriage to his sister-in-law, Herodias. According to the New Testament, John was eventually beheaded at the request of Herodias’ daughter, Salome, who danced for Herod and his guests at a banquet. Herod Antipas is also mentioned in the New Testament as the ruler who oversaw the trial and execution of Jesus. Although he initially wanted to release Jesus, he ultimately handed him over to the Roman authorities at the urging of the Jewish religious leaders. Herod Antipas’ rule came to an end in 39 AD when the Roman emperor Caligula exiled him to Gaul, modern-day France. He died in exile a few years later. Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I, also known as Herod III, was the grandson of Herod the Great and ruled over Judea from 41 to 44 AD. He was born in 10 BC and was the son of Aristobulus and Bernice, two of Herod the Great’s children. Herod Agrippa I was well-educated and fluent in both Greek and Hebrew, and he was highly regarded by the Roman authorities for his loyalty and his ability to maintain order in Judea. He was appointed as king of Judea in 41 AD by the Roman emperor Claudius, who was impressed by his abilities and saw him as a reliable ally in the region. As king, Herod Agrippa I continued the building projects of his grandfather and expanded the Temple in Jerusalem. He also implemented a number of reforms aimed at improving the lives of the […]
