Psalm 138:17-18
Thy friends, O God, are exceedingly honourable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened. I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand.
Haydock
Verse 17. Friends. Many pervert this passage, translating “thoughts,” because the word may have that sense in Chal. (W.) though the paraphrase agree with us; (C.) and all confess that our version is accurate. The other may also be admitted. While the dead seem to have no longer any existence, the saints are still with God, and the psalmist hopes to rise with them. Bert. — Principality. S. Jer. and Theod. “poor,” who are generally employed by God in his greatest works, that no flesh may glory in his sight. Though the elect be comparatively few, yet they cannot be numbered (H. Apoc. vii. 9.) by man. W.
Verse 18. I rose up, &c. I have taken a resolution to rise up from sloth and sleep; and to be still with thee, whose friends are so honourable and so happy. Ch. — I hope to persevere in thy service. W. — With thee At my rising, I am still employed in the same manner, and cannot find out the number of thy servants or thoughts. H.