Psalms 138:4-5

Context

138:4 Let all the kings of the earth give thanks¹ to you, O Lord,

when they hear the words you speak.²

138:5 Let them sing about the Lord’s deeds,³

for the Lord’s splendor is magnificent.⁴

[138:4] ¹tn The prefixed verbal forms here and in the following verse are understood as jussives, for the psalmist appears to be calling upon the kings to praise God. Another option is to take them as imperfects and translate, “the kings of the earth will give thanks…and will sing.” In this case the psalmist anticipates a universal response to his thanksgiving song.

[138:4] ²tn Heb “the words of your mouth.”

[138:5] ³tn Heb “ways.”

[138:5] ⁴tn Heb “great.”