Psalms 138:5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The ancient Near Eastern context makes this vision revolutionary. Kings in that world claimed divine status or at minimum supreme authority—pharaohs were gods incarnate, Mesopotamian rulers were gods' representatives, Persian shahs held absolute power. The concept of all kings submitting to Yahweh and singing His praise contradicted contemporary royal ideology. Yet biblical prophets consistently proclaimed Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly powers (Psalm 2:10-12, 47:2, 7-9, 96:10, 99:1-2). Daniel demonstrated this when Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged "the God of heaven" as supreme (Daniel 4:34-37). The Book of Revelation depicts this eschatologically: "the kings of the earth" bring their glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24), having abandoned rebellion for worship. History's trajectory moves toward universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'sing in the ways of the LORD,' and how is this different from merely acknowledging God's existence?
- How does recognizing the greatness of God's glory relativize earthly power, success, and human glory?
- What will it be like when all earthly authorities joyfully worship God, and how does this future hope impact Christian engagement with political powers now?
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. This verse continues describing the universal worship anticipated in v. 4, specifying that kings won't merely praise grudgingly but will "sing" (yashiru, יָשִׁירוּ)—joyful, exuberant expression. Shir (שִׁיר) means "to sing," often in context of worship or celebration. Singing represents heartfelt, voluntary, enthusiastic praise, not coerced acknowledgment. Former opponents of God become glad worshipers.
"In the ways of the LORD" (be-darkhei YHWH, בְּדַרְכֵי יְהוָה) describes what they sing about. Derekh (דֶּרֶךְ, "way") refers to God's actions, methods, character, and revealed will—how He operates in history. The plural "ways" encompasses multiple aspects: His providence, justice, mercy, faithfulness, wisdom. Kings who once walked their own ways now celebrate God's ways as superior. This recalls Moses's request: "shew me now thy way" (Exodus 33:13) and Israel's confession: "thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary" (Psalm 77:13).
"For great is the glory of the LORD" (ki-gadol kevod YHWH, כִּי־גָדוֹל כְּבוֹד יְהוָה) provides the reason for singing. Ki (כִּי, "for, because") introduces explanatory clause. Gadol (גָּדוֹל, "great") emphasizes magnitude, excellence, supremacy. Kevod (כָּבוֹד, "glory") is God's weighty, majestic, visible splendor—His revealed character and presence. The greatness of God's glory surpasses all earthly glory, rendering kings' glory trivial by comparison. When kings recognize God's superior glory, their appropriate response is worship. Paul echoes this: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).