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Pentecost Season · Proper 16 · Year A

Psalm 138

I Give You Thanks with My Whole Heart

August 23, 2026

King David Playing the Harp, Peter Paul Rubens
King David Playing the Harp, Peter Paul Rubens, 1600sBarnes Foundation, Philadelphia
Crowned and robed, King David sits on the clouds playing his harp while angels sing around him from an open scroll of music.I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise.Peter Paul RubensThe great Flemish painter of the 1600s, whose quick oil sketches, or modelli, prepared his large altarpieces and ceilings.Barnes Foundation, PhiladelphiaThe Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, a celebrated collection of European and American painting.Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 16:13-20Mt 16:13-20
EpistleRom. 12:1-8Rom 12:1-8
Old TestamentExod. 1:8-2:10Ex 1:8-2:10Alt. OTIsa. 51:1-6Is 51:1-6
PsalterPs. 124Ps 124Alt. PsalmPs. 138Ps 138

Overview & Insights

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever." (Psalm 138:8)

A psalm of thanksgiving in which the psalmist praises God before the gods for answering prayer and increasing his strength. He trusts that God regards the lowly, will complete his purpose, and will not forsake the work of his hands.

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Commentary

Commentary on Psalm 138Commentary on Ps 138 Working Preacher

The Lutheran home commentary on the appointed psalm by a named seminary scholar.

Psalm 138 - Thanksgiving and ConfidencePs 138 - Thanksgiving and Confidence Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical study of grateful praise and confidence in God's purpose.

Psalm 138:1 CommentariesPs 138:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on wholehearted thanksgiving.

Background & Word Study

Psalms 138 (Hebrew and English)Ps 138 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria

The Hebrew of the psalm alongside English with linked Jewish commentary.

The Church Fathers

Psalms 138 (Catena)Ps 138 (Catena) Catena

Early church readings of the psalm of thanksgiving before the whole assembly.

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