Psalm 138 – Presence of Angels
In Psalm 138 – presence of angels, David sings God’s praises with all of his being, publicly and loudly praising God before heavenly beings. Who might these heavenly beings be? What does this psalm say to us today?
Psalm 138
Another psalm attributed to David, while most translations of the first verse in Psalm 138 use the words “before the gods,” I prefer the New American Bible and Contemporary English version, “in the presence of angels.” (I’m using New American Bible translation below.)
In the first verse, David thanks God with his whole heart. As one commentator says, “We need a broken heart to mourn our own sins, but a whole heart to praise the Lord’s perfections.” (Spurgeon) Psalm 138 Commentary: God’s Promise to Honor His Word
“I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing.” (1)
Who are these angels or gods?
Perhaps the idols of the heathen. “If the psalmist is pledging to sing Yahweh’s praises in the presence of foreign gods, he is promising to witness to an unbelieving or wrongly believing world––honoring God before those who worship other gods. That constitutes brave discipleship, because those who believe in false gods often persecute those who challenge their beliefs.” Psalm 138 Commentary – Sermon Writer
Perhaps it refers to kings or judges, as seen in verse 4, witnessing to these kings about God.
Or perhaps angelic beings as found in other places in Scripture. “Angels are heavenly beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His purposes. Scripture describes them as powerful messengers who act under divine command, reflecting the majesty and holiness of God. They are often depicted in God’s presence, worshiping Him and executing His will.” What does the Bible say about angels?
If so, some may say David is “preaching to the choir.”
Reasons for Praise
David speaks of how he bows to God in God’s temple, praising God for his loving kindness and truth, translated mercy and faithfulness in NAB. When he cried out to God, God answered him.
“I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your mercy and faithfulness. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.
On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.” (2-3)
Surely, all nations will come to praise God. God, who is on high, cares for the lowly, another reason to praise Him.
“All the kings of earth will praise you, Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.
They will sing of the ways of the Lord: “How great is the glory of the Lord!”
The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar.” (4-6)
The psalm ends with words of confident trust that God is beside him to the end.
“Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me.
The Lord is with me to the end. Lord, your mercy endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!” (7-8)
Other translations of verse 8a are “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me,” (NKJV) and “The Lord will vindicate me,” (NIV) and “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.” (ESV)
“This was David’s confident declaration. He knew that God had a plan concerning him, and this God of greatness and goodness would absolutely perfect that plan.” Psalm 138 Commentary: God’s Promise to Honor His Word
Angels Among Us
The Hebrew word used in the first verse, “elohim,” may refer to “gods,” including pagan idols, or “Elohim” – God. It can also refer to heavenly beings – angels. A case can be made for either translation, however, I like angels. Angels are found in both the Old and New Testaments. They are part of God’s creation. Sure, you may be preaching to the choir, but what a heavenly choir! What a blessing to be in their presence!
“They are created beings, wholly devoted to God, announcing His messages, protecting and guiding His people, and carrying out His judgments. Their roles, described consistently across countless manuscript traditions, reflect God’s sovereign design and His interaction with humanity.” What does the Bible say about angels?
They are reminders of God’s power and protection, fitting well with verse 7 where God guards the psalmist life. In Exodus 23:20, God sends an angel to lead and guard the Israelites.
Fully focused on serving the Lord, angels set examples of how we are to live our own lives.
“Scripture makes it clear their sole purpose is to serve the will of their Creator. They point our hearts and minds back to God, reminding us that, in the unseen realms, His power and glory reign supreme.” What does the Bible say about angels?
Psalm 138 – Presence of Angels
What a comforting thought, that we are in the presence of angels. We need only look around us to see the presence of angels in the people we meet. As Paul remind us in Hebrews, 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Psalm 138 – presence of angels, reminds us that our God is worthy of praise. And so, we are called to join with all the heavenly hosts in dedicating our lives to the God of mercy and kindness and singing God’s praises.
Have you ever shown hospitality to angels? I would love to hear your story. Please share it in the comments.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 138: Looking to the Future with Confidence – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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