What does Psalm 138:6 mean?
ESV: For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
NIV: Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.
NASB: For the Lord is exalted, Yet He looks after the lowly, But He knows the haughty from afar.
CSB: Though the Lord is exalted, he takes note of the humble; but he knows the haughty from a distance.
NLT: Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
KJV: Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
NKJV: Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 138; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Psalm 138:4–6 anticipates when all the kings and nations of earth will praise the One True God (Isaiah 45:23; Psalm 22:27). They will recognize the Lord's goodness (Psalm 34:8; 100:5) and glory (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 113:4). His care for all people, even the lowly, will also be acclaimed (Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 3:34; Psalm 76:8–9).
Chapter Summary:
David publicly praises God for His faithfulness and salvation. Someday, all rulers of every nation will acknowledge the Lord. They will recognize His goodness and mercy. Despite troubles, David is confident in the Lord's plan. God has a purpose for David's life, so he is content to pray for aid and rest in God's loyal love.
Chapter Context:
This section (Psalms 138—145) of songs are attributed to David. Psalm 108 shares basic themes with the beginning verses of this entry. The later parts of this psalm echo David's thoughts (Psalm 23:4) in Psalm 23. No specific moment is tied to this psalm; David may have written it while thinking about Israel's many neighboring enemies (2 Samuel 5:6; 8:1–2). The first verse uses the word elōhim', which can refer to the Lord God (Genesis 1:1), to deities in general (Deuteronomy 5:7), to spiritual beings (Psalm 8:5), or to important people (Genesis 23:6).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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