Meaning of Psalms 138:6

This psalm, attributed to David, expresses profound gratitude and awe for God's faithfulness and covenant promises. Verse 6, in particular, highlights a seemingly paradoxical aspect of God's nature: His immense majesty coupled with His intimate concern for the humble. Despite His supreme exaltation and transcendence, which places Him far above all creation, God actively and attentively notices and favors those who are of low estate. This is not a distant, detached observation, but a benevolent regard that spans the immense distance between the divine and the human, indicating a deliberate and compassionate engagement with the lowly.

Context and Background

Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by David to praise God for delivering him from his enemies and for confirming His promises to him and to his lineage. The superscription "A Psalm of David" firmly places it within the context of Davidic kingship and his personal experiences of both triumph and reliance on God. The preceding verses speak of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, and His promise to exalt David's name above all else. In this setting, verse 6 serves to underscore that God's exaltation does not lead Him to overlook or disdain the vulnerable; rather, it is precisely from His exalted position that He demonstrates His grace to them.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Transcendence and Immanence: The verse juxtaposes God's supreme loftiness ("exalted," "lofty") with His intimate awareness and care ("looks kindly on the lowly," "sees them from afar"). This speaks to the biblical concept of God being both utterly transcendent (beyond human comprehension and earthly limitations) and immanent (actively present and involved in the world).
• God's Favor to the Humble: A central theme is God's special attention to the "lowly" or "humble." This refers not only to those in social or economic disadvantage but also to those who are spiritually humble, recognizing their dependence on God.
• Sovereign Grace: God's gaze upon the lowly is an act of sovereign grace. It is not earned or merited by the humble, but flows from God's own benevolent character.
• Perspective from Above: The phrase "sees them from afar" emphasizes God's comprehensive perspective, from which He observes all things, including the smallest and most distant. Yet, this distant gaze is characterized by kindness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers immense comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those who feel insignificant, overlooked, or burdened. It assures them that God, in His infinite glory and power, is intimately aware of their struggles and circumstances. The "lowly" can find solace in knowing that their plight does not escape the notice of the Almighty. This understanding should foster humility in those who are blessed and encourage a spirit of compassion towards others. It calls believers to trust in God's watchful care, even when they feel distant from His presence or overwhelmed by their challenges.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The sentiment expressed in Psalm 138:6 resonates throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets frequently spoke of God's concern for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, indicting those who oppressed them. Jesus' ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, exemplifies this theme. He consistently associated with the marginalized, the sick, and the sinners, demonstrating God's preferential love for the humble and the broken. The Beatitudes, particularly "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3), echo this divine inclination towards the lowly. The Incarnation itself—God becoming human in the person of Jesus—is the ultimate expression of the exalted God looking kindly upon humanity.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this concept is that of a powerful king surveying his vast kingdom. From his high vantage point on the throne or a royal balcony, he can see the entire realm. While he is aware of the grand palaces and bustling cities, his gaze also falls upon the small villages, the humble farmers tilling their fields, and the solitary shepherds. More than just seeing them, he cares about their welfare and ensures that justice and provision reach even the remotest corners of his domain. Similarly, God, from His supreme position, is aware of all creation, yet His benevolent attention is keenly focused on those who are humble and in need. Another analogy is that of a skilled astronomer observing the cosmos. They can perceive distant galaxies and nebulae with immense power, yet their instruments are also finely tuned to detect and study the faintest starlight from the most obscure celestial bodies.

Relation to Other Verses

• Proverbs 3:34: "He mocks the proud but gives favor to the humble." This proverb directly parallels the idea that God favors the lowly.
• Isaiah 57:15: "For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the hearts of the contrite.'" This verse explicitly states God's dwelling with the humble.
• Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This invitation is to those who are weary and likely feeling lowly or overwhelmed, offering divine relief.
• 1 Peter 5:5-6: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." This passage reiterates the divine favor shown to the humble and calls for active humility.