Before the gods— We have shewn, that the word אלהים elohim, here rendered gods, signifies either angels or princes, judges or rulers; in either of which senses it may be taken in this place. Houbigant however renders it, Before God will I sing unto thee; meaning, "in thy presence, or before thy sacred oracle, I will sing thy praises;" and the next verse seems to countenance his opinion; for, towards thy holy temple, may be rendered, towards the palace of thy holiness; i.e. the sanctuary and the mercy-seat. See Psalms 99:5. For thou hast magnified thy name, means, "Thyself, and thy attributes;" and by magnifying his word, is meant, his making great and excellent promises, and then punctually performing them. How God's word, or truth, or promise, was fulfilled to David, see 1 Samuel 16:13. This clause might be better rendered, Thou hast magnified above all things thy name, and thy word. Houbigant has it, For thou hast made thy word more excellent than all thy glory.
Related Commentaries of Psalms 138:1
Psalms 138:1-2
1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.