Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 138:3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
3. and strengthenedst me ] R.V. thou didst encourage me, giving me a proud consciousness of strength; a bold use of the word, which elsewhere denotes pride in a bad sense.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
In the day when I cried – Referring to some former period of his life when he was in trouble.
Thou answeredst me – In the very day when I called, thou gavest me the answer: that is, immediately.
And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul – literally, Thou didst embolden – or, didst make me courageous with strength. Thou didst enable me to meet danger, and to overcome fear. It would seem probable that this was on some occasion when he was in danger from his enemies.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 138:3
In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me.
Successful prayer
I. The cry.
1. A deep sense of need.
2. A feeling sense of inability.
3. Earnestness of supplication.
4. Confidence in God.
II. Its successful issue.
1. God heard his cry.
2. He answered it.
3. Immediately.
4. Imparting strength to his soul.
(1) To work.
(2) To resist enemies.
(3) To suffer.
(4) To be firm and persevering.
III. Application.
1. Learn the saints remedy in trouble–to cry unto the Lord, etc.
2. The importance of soul-strength. When obtained, exercise it, etc.
3. The efficacy of fervent prayer. God will hear and bless, etc.
4. The duty of recounting Gods gracious answers to our supplications. (J. Burns, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 3. With strength in my soul.] Thou hast endued my soul with many graces, blessings, and heavenly qualities.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The last clause limits and explains the former, how God answered him so speedily, not by giving him the thing which he desired in that very instant, but by giving him inward support and patience to wait Gods time, and to bear all his troubles cheerfully in the mean time, which was a singular mercy, and indeed greater than the actual donation of any temporal blessing.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3-5. That promise, as an answerto his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and,as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be theoccasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psa 68:29;Psa 68:31; Isa 4:3).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me,…. When in distress through Saul’s persecution, he cried to the Lord, and he immediately answered him, and delivered him out of his troubles; and such immediate answers of prayer are to be remembered with thankfulness: see Ps 18:6;
[and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul; put him good heart and spirit, when before ready to faint; strengthened his heart and grace in it, particularly faith, and drew it forth into lively act and exercise so that he sunk not under the weight of affliction and trouble, but was filled with courage to withstand his enemies, and with strength to do the will and work of God; this is to be understood of inward spiritual strength; see Eph 3:16.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
There are two things for which the poet gives thanks to God: He has answered him in the days of trouble connected with his persecution by Saul and in all distresses; and by raising him to the throne, and granting him victory upon victory, and promising him the everlasting possession of the throne, He has filled him with a proud courage, so that lofty feeling has taken up its abode in his soul, which was formerly fearful about help. Just as signifies impetuosity, vehemence, and then also a monster, so signifies both to break in upon one violently and overpowerlingly (Son 6:5; cf. Syriac arheb , Arabic arhaba , to terrify), and to make any one courageous, bold, and confident of victory. forms a corollary to the verb that is marked by Mugrash or Dech: so that in my soul there was , i.e., power, viz., a consciousness of power (cf. Jdg 5:21). The thanksgiving, which he, the king of the promise, offers to God on account of this, will be transmitted to all the kings of the earth when they shall hear ( in the sense of a fut. exactum ) the words of His mouth, i.e., the divine , and they shall sing of ( with , like in Psa 87:3, in Psa 105:2 and frequently, in Psa 44:9, in Psa 20:8, and the like) the ways of the God of the history of salvation, they shall sing that great is the glory of Jahve. Psa 138:6 tells us by what means He has so super-gloriously manifested Himself in His leadings of David. He has shown Himself to be the Exalted One who is His all-embracing rule does not leave the lowly (cf. David’s confessions in Psa 131:1; 2Sa 6:22) unnoticed (Psa 113:6), but on the contrary makes him the especial object of His regard; and on the other hand even from afar (cf. Psa 139:2) He sees through ( as in Psa 94:11; Jer 29:23) the lofty one who thinks himself unobserved and conducts himself as if he were answerable to no higher being (Psa 10:4). In correct texts has Mugrash , and Mercha . The form of the fut. Kal is formed after the analogy of the Hiphil forms in Isa 16:7, and frequently, and in Job 24:21; probably the word is intended to be all the more emphatic, inasmuch as the first radical, which disappears in , is thus in a certain measure restored.
(Note: The Greek imperfects with the double (syllabic and temporal) augment, as , , are similar. Chajug also regards the first Jod in these forms as the preformative and the second as the radical, whereas Abulwald, Gramm. ch. xxvi. p. 170, explains the first as a prosthesis and the second as the preformative. According to the view of others, e.g., of Kimchi, might be fut. Hiph. weakened from ( ), which, apart from the unsuitable meaning, assumes a change of consonants that is all the more inadmissible as itself springs from . Nor is it to be supposed that is modified from (Luzzatto, 197), because it is nowhere written .)
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
3. In the day when I cried to thee, etc. Frequently God prevents our prayers, and surprises us, as it were, sleeping: but commonly he stirs us up to prayer by the influence of his Spirit, and this to illustrate his goodness the more by our finding that he crowns our prayers with success. David well infers that his escape front danger could not have been merely fortuitous, as it plainly appeared that God had answered him. This then is one thing noticeable, that our prayers more nearly discover his goodness to us. Some supply a copulative in the second part of the verse — Thou hast increased me, and in my soul is strength. But this is not called for, since the words read well enough as they stand, whether we render the passage as I have done above, or translate it, Thou hast multiplied, or increased, me with strength in my soul. The sense, is, That from a weak and afflicted state he had received fresh strength to his spirit Or some may, perhaps, prefer resolving it thus: Thou hast multiplied — that is, blest me, whence strength in my soul.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(3) Strengthenedst me with strength.Or, encouragest me strongly. (See Note to Son. 6:5, where the same Hebrew form occurs.)
In my soul.Or, at my desire.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Strengthenedst Literally, Thou hast caused me to rise up.
With strength in my soul A more clear, direct profession of spiritual strength supernaturally bestowed could not be given in the words of any language. More amplified, but not more unequivocal, is the expression of Paul, “Strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” Eph 3:16
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 730
ANSWERS TO PRAYER
Psa 138:3. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
THE blessed word of God abounds with promises, with promises of all that we can need, grace, mercy, peace, strength, victory. But will these promises be so performed, that a poor sinful man like ourselves shall be conscious of the performance of them to his own soul? Here is the peculiar excellency of the Book of Psalms; in which we have a record of Davids own experience. We see in this book a faithful delineation of a mans intercourse with his Maker; and, in the words which I have read, a testimony that God had fulfilled his word, yea, and magnified it above all his name.
Let us consider,
I.
Davids testimony to the compassion of his God
David was in the habit of spreading all his wants before God
[Exceedingly had he been tried from his youth up. With such unrelenting malignity was he persecuted by Saul, that nothing but a direct interposition of the Deity could preserve him But he committed his cause to God in prayer And when no hope, according to human appearances, remained to him, he encouraged himself in the Lord his God [Note: 1Sa 30:6.].]
And from God he received many signal answers to prayer
[Of this he testifies with much joy and gratitude [Note: Psa 18:4-6; Psa 34:3-6.] In my text, he particularly declares that Gods answers to his prayers had been both speedy and effectual. In the very day that he cried, God had answered him, when he was shut up in the city of Keilah. He had heard that Saul was coming to besiege him there; and he had reason to fear that the men of Keilah would deliver him up into the hands of Saul. On both these points he sought information from the Lord, who knew perfectly not only what designs actually existed in the minds of men, but what would be formed under any circumstances which might occur. Here was no time for delay: nor did God delay to give him the information he desired. Thus, through the speed with which his prayer was answered, his life, together with that of his followers, was preserved [Note: 1Sa 23:9-12.]. Exceeding abundant, too, had been Gods gracious communications to him in answer to his prayer. Any man who was not miraculously sustained by God would have sunk under the weight of his afflictions, or at least would have availed himself of the opportunities which were repeatedly afforded him of terminating them by the death of his inveterate enemy. But, though urged to it by his own friends, he would in no wise consent to such a method of extricating himself from his calamities [Note: 1Sa 24:4-7; 1Sa 26:7-12.]. Well might he say, as in my text, Thou strengthenedst me with strength in my soul: for, if not strengthened in a very extraordinary degree from on high, he never could have maintained such a conduct as this.]
When we see such a testimony as this, it becomes us to consider,
II.
The instruction to be derived from it
It would be impossible in one discourse, or in many, to unfold all the important lessons that are to be learned from this testimony: I will, therefore, confine myself to two:
1.
The efficacy of prayer
[O that this were duly considered! How urgent should we be at the throne of grace! Who amongst us should not be able to bear the same testimony with David, if, like him, we habituated ourselves to fervent and believing prayer? Never did God say to any, Seek ye my face in vain. No: he is a God that heareth prayer. The prayer of the upright is his delight. And such is the efficacy of it, when poured out in faith, that, when he had determined to punish Israel for their iniquities, he forbad Moses to intercede for them; saying, Let me alone, that I may consume them; that is, If you intercede for them, you will bind my hands, so that I cannot execute the threatened vengeance: and, therefore, let me alone, that I may be free to act. Be assured, Brethren, that whilst you have a heart to pray, God has an ear to hear, and answer. David succeeded by worshipping towards Gods holy Temple [Note: ver. 2.]: and shall not you, if you direct your prayer to Him wham the Temple typified, even the Lord Jesus Christ? Shall it be in vain to supplicate your incarnate God, or to go to the Father in the name of his dear Son? Try it; and you shall soon have to say with David, I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee: for in the day when I cried, thou answeredst me [Note: ver. 1.]. Yes, you shall understand, by sweet experience, the truth of that promise, It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear [Note: Isa 65:24.]. Nay, more, your God will do for you not only what you ask, but exceeding abundantly above all that you can ask or think.]
2.
The use and intent of trials
[We are apt to regard them as enemies that are greatly to be dreaded; (and, no doubt, they are not for the present joyous, but grievous:) but they are indeed blessings in disguise. They are often sent to quicken us to prayer; to make us feel our dependence on God; and to discover to us the abundance of his condescension and grace. What would David have known of God comparatively, if he had not been placed in circumstances of great difficulty, where none but God could help him, and where God, in answer to his prayers, appeared for his support? No man ever more abounded in praises than he; but they all had their foundation in the deliverances vouchsafed in answer to his prayers. When, therefore, any trial comes, say with yourselves, Now God is preparing me for richer discoveries of his own glory; and if he make me to feel my own weakness, it is only that he may perfect his own strength in and by that weakness. Fear not, then, to go into any depths; since from them shall your prayer come up, even us Jonahs did, into the ears of the Most High; and God will take you from them, to set your feet upon a rock, and to fill you with praises and thanksgivings to him for the manifestations of his love [Note: Psa 40:1-3.].]
Address
1.
Those who restrain prayer before God
[The generality know not what prayer is, but content themselves with reading or reciting a form in which they feel no interest And of those who have on some particular occasions called upon his name, how many relapse into a cold and formal state, as though they had ceased to need the blessings which they once solicited! Alas! what enemies are both of these characters to the real welfare of their own souls! They are enemies even to their present happiness, and much more to their happiness in the world to come. This I must say to all persons of this description: You have not, because you ask not: nor can you ever have pardon, or peace, or holiness, or glory, in any way but in that of humble, fervent, and believing prayer. You must open your mouth wide, if ever you would have it filled with spiritual and eternal blessings.]
2.
Those who can unite in Davids testimony respecting the compassion of their God
[Go on, and pray without ceasing. There never is a day when you cease to need a supply of spiritual good; and never shall your importunity displease your God. Be not straitened in yourselves, and never shall you find that you are straitened in him. Live a life of prayer, and you shall never be disappointed of your hope [Note: Isa 40:31.]. Be instant in prayer, and you may say with David, Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me [Note: ver. 7.]. You may add, too, with equal confidence, The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me [Note: ver. 8.]. What delightful thoughts are these! and how will you sing in the ways of the Lord [Note: ver. 5.], when your mind is so occupied! This is the proper walk of a Christian; and every communication received from God, in answer to your prayers, shall be an earnest and foretaste of yet richer blessings in the realms of bliss.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Is this the person of Jesus, of whom the prophet speaks? Jesus, we know, in the days of his flesh, offered up strong cries and tears, and was heard, in that he feared, Heb 5:7 ; Psa 89:26 . And may we not, even every child of God in Jesus, take comfort also in the same assurance, when we cry to the Lord in his name? Joh 14:13 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
Ver. 3. In the day when I cried, &c. ] This he worthily celebrateth as a singular favour, a badge of grace, Psa 66:18 , and pledge of glory, Act 2:21 .
And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
strengthenedst = encouraged, or emboldened.
my soul = myself (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
In the day: Psa 18:6, Psa 34:4-6, Psa 77:1, Psa 77:2, Isa 65:24
strengthenedst: Psa 27:14, Psa 29:11, Psa 63:8, Isa 12:2, Isa 40:29-31, Isa 41:10, Zec 10:12, 2Co 12:8-10, Eph 3:16, Eph 6:10, Phi 4:13, Col 1:11, 1Pe 5:10
Reciprocal: Exo 2:24 – God heard Deu 11:8 – that ye may Deu 33:25 – and as thy 1Sa 17:37 – The Lord Neh 6:9 – Now therefore Job 23:6 – but he would Psa 3:4 – I cried Psa 6:9 – hath heard Psa 31:24 – shall Psa 38:15 – hear Psa 73:26 – but Psa 86:16 – give Isa 40:31 – renew Dan 10:19 – thou hast Joh 5:19 – and
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 138:3. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me Didst give me to understand that my prayer was accepted, and should have a gracious return in due time; and strengthenedst me, in my soul This clause limits and explains the former, and shows in what way God answered him so speedily, namely, not by giving him the very thing which he desired in that very instant, but by giving him inward support and patience, to wait Gods time, and to bear all his troubles cheerfully in the mean time, which was a singular mercy, and, indeed, greater than the actual donation of any temporal blessing. Observe, reader, if God give us strength in our souls, to bear the burdens, resist the temptations, and to do the duties, of an afflicted state; if he strengthen us to rely on him by faith, to maintain the peace of our own minds, and to wait with patience for the issue, we must own that he hath answered us, and are bound to be thankful.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] {c} strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
(c) You have strengthened me against my outward and inward enemies.