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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comKeil and Delitzsch Commentary - Psalms 138:7 - 138:7
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Out of these experiences-so important for all mankind - of David, who has been exalted by passing through humiliation, there arise from him confident hopes concerning the future. The beginning of this strophe calls Psa 23:4 to mind. Though his way may lead through the midst of heart - oppressing trouble, Jahve will loose these bands of death and quicken him afresh (חִיָּה as in Psa 30:4; Psa 71:20, and frequently). Though his enemies may rage, Jahve will stretch forth His hand threateningly and tranquillizingly over their wrath, and His right hand will save him. יְמִֽינְךָ is the subject according to Psa 139:10 and other passages, and not (for why should it be supposed to be this?) accus. instrumenti (vid., Psa 60:7). In Psa 138:8 יִגְמִר is intended just as in Psa 57:3 : the word begun He will carry out, ἐπιτελεῖν (Phi 1:6); and בַּֽעֲדִי (according to its meaning, properly: covering me) is the same as עָלַי in that passage (cf. Psa 13:6; 142:8). The pledge of this completion is Jahve's everlasting mercy, which will not rest until the promise is become perfect truth and reality. Thus, therefore, He will not leave, forsake the works of His hands (vid., Psa 90:16.), i.e., as Hengstenberg correctly explains, everything that He has hitherto accomplished for David, from his deliverance out of the hands of Saul down to the bestowment of the promise - He will not let one of His works stand still, and least of all one that has been so gloriously begun. הִרְפָּה (whence תֶּרֶף) signifies to slacken, to leave slack, i.e., leave uncarried out, to leave to itself, as in Neh 6:3. אַל expresses a negation with a measure of inward excitement.