I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
David stirs himself to gratitude by remembering God's singular faithfulness. From what he has known of the divine mercy in the past, he looks forward with confidence to its continuance; if dangers must be met, he expects a happy issue.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 138:1-8
I will praise thee with my whole heart. His mind is so taken up with God that he does not mention his name: to him there is no other God, and Jehovah is so perfectly realized and so intimately known, that the Psalmist, in addressing him, no more thinks of mentioning his name than we should do if we were speaking to a father or a friend.
He will praise with his whole heart, uprightness of intention and fervent affection, inward impressions matching outward expression. Praising God is work the greatest need not be ashamed of; it is the work of angels and heaven itself.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 138:1-5