Definition: [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Psalm 138:1. It’s a really powerful statement about David's faith and his intention to praise God. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Essentially, David is saying: “I am going to sing praises (or express my gratitude) to God before any other gods or beings.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “A Psalm of David” : This tells us this isn't just any old statement. It's a special, heartfelt prayer written by David himself. “I will praise thee with my whole heart…” : This is the core of the verse. “Praise thee” means to show your gratitude and adoration – to thank God for what He’s done. "With my whole heart" emphasizes that this praise isn't just a fleeting feeling, but a deep and genuine expression of love. “Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” : This is where it gets interesting. “The gods” refers to all the deities – the pagan gods who were prevalent in ancient Israel. David is essentially declaring that he intends to directly address God, to express his worship and devotion to Him before any other gods exist. It's a powerful statement of his faith and his desire for a personal relationship with the divine. What does this tell us about David? This verse speaks volumes about: David’s Confidence: It shows David’s deep certainty in his relationship with God, even before any other gods exist. His Obedience: It demonstrates a willingness to stand firm in his faith and to worship the one true God. His Purpose: This verse highlights that David was focused on praising God, which was a central part of his life and ministry as a king. In short, this verse is a declaration of David's unwavering devotion and his intention to express his gratitude to God in a profound way. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the Old Testament?