All humanity—kings included—receives an invitation from this psalm to thank and praise the One whose words bring eternal life.
“All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD, When they have heard the words of Your mouth.” (v.4) In this verse, David proclaims a vision of worldwide acknowledgment of God’s greatness. Even those in positions of highest power on earth will hear and respond to the divine truth of the Lord’s words. This verse underscores David’s certainty that God’s influence extends far beyond Israel’s borders, reaching into the corridors of palaces and the hearts of rulers.
By saying that all the kings of the earth will give thanks, David expresses his conviction that the Lord’s purposes are universal, not confined to a single nation. Just as powerful earthly rulers bow their knees upon being confronted with God’s truth, so should every believer remember that the authority of the Lord exceeds any human might. Psalm 138 assures readers that God, the King of heaven, is also a gracious Father who calls all people—regardless of social status—to recognize His sovereignty.
This promise leads naturally into the ultimate hope found later in the psalm, where David declares that God is ever-active in believers’ lives, completing the good work He began (Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6). It is the same God who will bring even the mightiest leaders under His authority, and it is He who faithfully guides His people toward spiritual maturity, protection, and lasting fellowship with Him.
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Psalms 138:4 meaning
“All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD, When they have heard the words of Your mouth.” (v.4) In this verse, David proclaims a vision of worldwide acknowledgment of God’s greatness. Even those in positions of highest power on earth will hear and respond to the divine truth of the Lord’s words. This verse underscores David’s certainty that God’s influence extends far beyond Israel’s borders, reaching into the corridors of palaces and the hearts of rulers.
By saying that all the kings of the earth will give thanks, David expresses his conviction that the Lord’s purposes are universal, not confined to a single nation. Just as powerful earthly rulers bow their knees upon being confronted with God’s truth, so should every believer remember that the authority of the Lord exceeds any human might. Psalm 138 assures readers that God, the King of heaven, is also a gracious Father who calls all people—regardless of social status—to recognize His sovereignty.
This promise leads naturally into the ultimate hope found later in the psalm, where David declares that God is ever-active in believers’ lives, completing the good work He began (Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6). It is the same God who will bring even the mightiest leaders under His authority, and it is He who faithfully guides His people toward spiritual maturity, protection, and lasting fellowship with Him.