Psalms 138 · The Lantern

By David. I confess Thee, with all my heart, Before the gods I do praise Thee.

And in the sight of the angels I will sing psalms to you. See the advancement of the penitent, that after confession and repentance he is counted worthy to sing psalms with the angels. But he who sings psalms no longer performs repentance, but gives thanks, and blesses.

The title of this Psalm is brief and simple, and need not detain us; since we know whose resemblance David wore, and since in him we recognise ourselves also, for we too are members of that Body. The whole title is, "To David himself." Let us see then, what is to David himself.

It is no secret that angels are frequently present, invisibly, at the side of the elect, in order to defend them from the snares of the cunning enemy and uphold them by the great gift of heavenly desire.

I bow myself toward Thy holy temple, And I confess Thy name, For Thy kindness, and for Thy truth, For Thou hast made great Thy saying above all Thy name.

In the day I called, when Thou dost answer me, Thou dost strengthen me in my soul with strength.

O Jehovah, all kings of earth confess Thee, When they have heard the sayings of Thy mouth.

And they sing in the ways of Jehovah, For great is the honour of Jehovah.

For high is Jehovah, and the lowly He seeth, And the haughty from afar He knoweth.

If I walk in the midst of distress Thou quickenest me, Against the anger of mine enemies Thou sendest forth Thy hand, And Thy right hand doth save me.

Jehovah doth perfect for me, O Jehovah, Thy kindness is to the age, The works of Thy hands let not fall!

Psalms138