138:2 lovingkindness and for thy truth. “Lovingkindness” is the same Hebrew word for “mercy.” These two words are often found together when speaking of the Lord (Psalm 25:10; 40:11; 85:10; 115:1; etc.).

138:2 magnified thy word. It is impossible to place the inspired, inerrant Word of God on too high a pedestal, for God Himself honors it above His name! The Word is not greater than God, for He wrote it by His Spirit, but it is greater than His “Name,” which represents Him, and all that He is and does. His Word, however, represents Him more fully than His name alone can do: in His Word, in fact, His name is revealed.