The author of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Psalm is one of Israel’s common people. Poets come from all walks of life, and this poet refuses to permit his humble place to silence him before the mighty. A "simple, private individual in the congregation," as one scholar describes him, not even the gods whom the pagans vaunt can induce him to hold his tongue. After all, who are they when they obviously have no such purpose or power as the Eternal possesses? (Psalm 138:1) Moreover, the singer has a genuine witness to bear for the Lord - indeed, his heart overflows with it - and he cannot hold it back. For he is convinced that despite his status - or lack thereof - once his testimony is made known the world will join him worshiping the Almighty (Psalm 138:4-6).

A Ground for Rejoicing

In s…