A Psalm of David.

This psalm was perhaps composed by David when he was newly advanced to his throne, 2 Sam. 5, 1 Chron. 12. In it, (1.) He looks back with thankfulness upon the experience he had of God’s goodness to him, ver. 1-3. (2.) He looks forward with comfort, in hopes that others would go on like him to praise God, ver. 4-5; and that God would continue to do good to him, ver. 6-8.

While I sing these lofty lines, let the sense of the unnumbered mercies I have received from God, and the hopes of his everlasting loving-kindness, tune and animate my heart.

1 Thee will I praise with all my heart,
I will sing praise to thee
2 Before the gods: And worship will
toward thy sanctuary.

I’ll praise thy name, ev’n for thy truth,
and kindness of thy love;
For thou thy word hast magnified
all thy great name above.

3 Thou didst me answer in the day
when I to thee did cry;
And thou my fainting soul with strength
didst strengthen inwardly.

4 All kings upon the earth that are
shall give thee praise, O Lord,
When as they from thy mouth shall hear
thy true and faithful word.

5 Yea, in the righteous ways of God
with gladness they shall sing:
For great’s the glory of the Lord;
who doth for ever reign.

6 Though God be high, yet he respects
all those that lowly be;
Whereas the proud and lofty ones
afar off knoweth he.

7 Though I in midst of trouble walk,
I life from thee shall have:
‘Gainst my foes’ wrath thou’lt stretch thine hand;
thy right hand shall me save.

8 Surely that which concerneth me
the Lord will perfect make:
Lord, still thy mercy lasts; do not
thine own hands’ works forsake.