Psalms 138:7-8
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just about God rescuing us from trouble, but about His power actively working against the wrath of our enemies. It’s a declaration that God doesn't just let troubles happen, but He steps in to neutralize the hostility aimed at us, ensuring our safety.
In these verses, the psalmist is reflecting on God's faithfulness, particularly acknowledging God's humble regard for the lowly despite His exalted position. He moves from this contemplation to a powerful declaration of trust in God's protection, even when surrounded by danger and the wrath of enemies. This confidence then leads to an appeal for God to continue His work and never forsake him, rooted in God's everlasting mercy.
Ever felt like you're just barely surviving, surrounded by trouble? This verse speaks to a deep, spiritual revival that God provides, even when life feels overwhelming.
A Life Given Anew
The Psalmist declares, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life." This isn't just about surviving; it's about being revived. Imagine being surrounded by danger, like walking through a thick, oppressive fog where breathing is difficult. That's what 'in the midst of trouble' can feel like.
But notice the promise: God doesn't just keep us from perishing; He revives us. This suggests an infusion of life, strength, and spirit when we feel depleted. It's God breathing life back into weary souls, enabling us to stand, not just endure.
Life throws punches, and sometimes they feel like the targeted wrath of enemies. See how God's power actively intervenes, not just to protect, but to deliver.
The Almighty Intervention
The verse continues, "you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me." This is a vivid picture of God's direct and powerful action.
Understand the original words
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A state of distress, affliction, or narrow straits. It refers to the trials and tribulations believers encounter while living in a fallen world.
chayah · Hebrew Verb
To keep, guard, or protect. It reflects God’s providential care over the life and soul of His people amidst danger.
yad · Hebrew Noun
The outward manifestation of power, authority, and agency. God stretching out His hand symbolizes His active intervention in history to defend His people and defeat their adversaries.
yamin · Hebrew Noun
Often refers to the hand of power or executive authority. It is frequently associated with God’s saving strength and divine intervention on behalf of the faithful.
This psalm likely arose from David's personal experiences navigating the constant dangers and political turmoil of his kingship. It's a powerful declaration of faith that God preserves and delivers His chosen, even in the most threatening circumstances.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
Psalms 138 is traditionally attributed to David, reflecting his experiences as king of Israel, facing both internal and external threats.
c. 1000 BC - 970 BC
Wars and Rebellions During David's Reign
David's kingship was marked by numerous conflicts, including wars against the Philistines, Ammonites, and internal rebellions, such as Absalom's uprising.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Succeeds David
Following David's death, his son Solomon became king. While David's reign saw much conflict, Solomon's era was largely one of peace and prosperity, yet the legacy of David's struggles continued to shape Israel.
This passage echoes the sentiment of navigating danger with God's presence, directly referencing the 'valley of the shadow of death' which parallels walking 'in the midst of trouble'.
Psalms 30:2-3This psalm speaks of being lifted from the brink of death, directly relating to God's power to 'revive' and preserve life even when surrounded by enemies.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic word assures the believer that God's strengthening right hand will uphold and deliver them from distress, mirroring the imagery of God's 'right hand delivers me'.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9This New Testament passage reflects the experience of believers being 'hard-pressed' but 'not crushed,' and 'perplexed' but 'not driven to despair,' aligning with the theme of divine preservation amidst affliction.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage highlights that through prayer and thanksgiving, God's peace will guard the heart and mind from anxiety, offering a spiritual parallel to finding deliverance from the 'wrath of enemies'.
clarkePsalms 138:7: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."
Though I walk in the midst of trouble - I have had such experience of thy mercy, that let me fall into whatsoever trouble I may, yet I will trust in thee. Thou wilt quicken me, though I were ready to die; and thou wilt deliver me from the wrath of my enemies.
poolePsalms 138:7: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."
Walk in the midst of trouble, i.e. be encompassed with dangers. Thou wilt revive me; thou wilt cheer my spirit, and preserve my life. Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand; put forth thy almighty power, to oppose and restrain their rage, and to save me from them, as it follows.
The verse isn't just about God rescuing us from trouble, but about His power actively working against the wrath of our enemies. It’s a declaration that God doesn't just let troubles happen, but He steps in to neutralize the hostility aimed at us, ensuring our safety.
In these verses, the psalmist is reflecting on God's faithfulness, particularly acknowledging God's humble regard for the lowly despite His exalted position. He moves from this contemplation to a powerful declaration of trust in God's protection, even when surrounded by danger and the wrath of enemies. This confidence then leads to an appeal for God to continue His work and never forsake him, rooted in God's everlasting mercy.
In these verses, the psalmist is reflecting on God's faithfulness, particularly acknowledging God's humble regard for the lowly despite His exalted position. He moves from this contemplation to a powerful declaration of trust in God's protection, even when surrounded by danger and the wrath of enemies. This confidence then leads to an appeal for God to continue His work and never forsake him, rooted in God's everlasting mercy.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 138:7-8 is available in the Sola app.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A multifaceted Hebrew term signifying covenant loyalty, loving-kindness, mercy, and devotion. It represents God's faithful commitment to His people despite their unworthiness.
azab · Hebrew Verb
To leave behind, abandon, or desert. It is the cry of the faithful to God, asking that He remain present and supportive, particularly in times of spiritual or physical distress.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast l…" — The verse isn't just about God rescuing us from trouble, but about His power actively working against the wrath of our enemies. It’s a declaration that God doesn't just let troubles happen, but H…
