Psalms 138:5

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.

Psalms 138:5 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 138 is a thanksgiving psalm attributed to King David. He praises God for His faithfulness and deliverance. In the preceding verse, David calls on all the kings of the earth to give thanks to the LORD. Verse 5 describes their response: they sing in the ways of the LORD because His glory is great. This verse is part of a larger picture where the whole earth, including rulers, is invited to join in worship.

Meaning

The phrase “sing in the ways of the LORD” means joyful worship and praise offered to God. It is an expression of gratitude, adoration, and reverence for His character and works. Singing can be both personal and corporate, and it honors God. The “ways of the LORD” are His paths of mercy, truth, pleasantness, and peace. When people sing of these ways, they celebrate the excellence and usefulness of God’s guidance. The verse may also be translated as “they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,” which emphasizes the delight and value found in walking with Him.

The second part of the verse declares, “for great is the glory of the LORD.” The glory of the LORD refers to the splendor, majesty, and magnificence of His presence and character. It includes His holiness, righteousness, love, and power. God’s glory is beyond human understanding and is often pictured as radiant light. This greatness is the reason for the singing. The glory of God is shown in creation and, even more, in the person of Christ and the work of redemption. His glory is not distant; it is revealed in His acts of salvation and faithfulness.

Biblical connections

The verse connects the praise of the nations with the revelation of God’s glory. In the previous verse, David calls on kings to praise the LORD. Here, their singing is the response to seeing His glory. This pattern appears elsewhere in Scripture, where the greatness of God leads people to worship. The glory of God is not only a distant idea; it is revealed in His acts of salvation and faithfulness. When the nations see His glory, they are moved to sing.

Application

Make worship and praise a regular part of your life. Sing songs of praise, read and meditate on the Word of God, and express gratitude for His blessings. Let your worship be sincere, joyful, and reverent. Reflect on the greatness of God’s glory. Consider His attributes, His faithfulness in your life, and the wonders of His creation. Allow this understanding to deepen your trust in His plans and purposes.

Share God’s goodness with others. As you experience His faithfulness and witness His glory, let your life and worship be a testimony. Invite others to join you in praising the Lord. When you sing in the ways of the LORD, you bear witness to His power and grace, drawing others closer to Him. Your worship can encourage those around you to see His greatness.

Reflection

The verse reminds us that God’s glory is great and worthy of praise. It encourages us to respond with joyful singing, both alone and with others. As we walk in His ways, we join the kings of the earth in declaring His greatness. Our worship becomes a witness, and our lives reflect His glory. Let this verse inspire you to praise God continually, for great is His glory indeed.