God’s mighty sovereignty is best understood through a humble heart that allows Him to draw near.
King David, who reigned as king of Israel from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, is credited with writing Psalm 138 as an expression of gratitude and confidence in the LORD’s steadfast love. In this psalm, David marvels at the LORD’s great majesty while also celebrating His personal care toward those who approach Him with humility. He declares, “For though the LORD is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar” (v.6). Despite being enthroned above all creation, God extends His compassion to the humble in heart, demonstrating a willingness to draw near to His people on an intimate level.
David’s words highlight the depth of God’s character: He is not distant or uninterested in the plight of humanity. He is near to all who call upon Him, unlike the powerless idols that cannot reach out to help (Psalm 115:4-8; Psalm 145:18). In His profound exaltation, He still meets those who come before Him in dependence and reverence, whereas pride and self-reliance place people at a distance from His fellowship. Even after acknowledging our weaknesses, we can trust Him to be at work in our lives, fulfilling His redemptive purposes among those who yield to Him. Indeed, He continually endeavors to complete in us every good thing He has purposed (Psalm 138:8).
This contrast between God’s exaltation and His tender regard for the lowly foreshadows Christ’s teaching that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom (Matthew 5:3). It reveals the biblical truth that the Maker of heaven and earth does not despise those who recognize their need; rather, He lifts them up. From David’s ancient reign to the present age, the LORD’s holy transcendence combines with His personal nearness to display a love unlike any other.
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Psalms 138:6 meaning
King David, who reigned as king of Israel from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, is credited with writing Psalm 138 as an expression of gratitude and confidence in the LORD’s steadfast love. In this psalm, David marvels at the LORD’s great majesty while also celebrating His personal care toward those who approach Him with humility. He declares, “For though the LORD is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar” (v.6). Despite being enthroned above all creation, God extends His compassion to the humble in heart, demonstrating a willingness to draw near to His people on an intimate level.
David’s words highlight the depth of God’s character: He is not distant or uninterested in the plight of humanity. He is near to all who call upon Him, unlike the powerless idols that cannot reach out to help (Psalm 115:4-8; Psalm 145:18). In His profound exaltation, He still meets those who come before Him in dependence and reverence, whereas pride and self-reliance place people at a distance from His fellowship. Even after acknowledging our weaknesses, we can trust Him to be at work in our lives, fulfilling His redemptive purposes among those who yield to Him. Indeed, He continually endeavors to complete in us every good thing He has purposed (Psalm 138:8).
This contrast between God’s exaltation and His tender regard for the lowly foreshadows Christ’s teaching that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom (Matthew 5:3). It reveals the biblical truth that the Maker of heaven and earth does not despise those who recognize their need; rather, He lifts them up. From David’s ancient reign to the present age, the LORD’s holy transcendence combines with His personal nearness to display a love unlike any other.