| The temple was the place of God's presence on earth. To bow towards it was to bow before God, it was to seek to completely direct one's heart to God. Such an act would lead to praise - exalting God's name due to His love and faithfulness.
Thus:
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.”- Psalm 138:2 (NIV)
His name is who He is, it is His person, His character. His word expresses His character, reveals His name, nature. WHAT could be higher than that, higher than HIM?
This truth - His greatness - leads to more praise, more bowing towards His presence, more seeking His face, of HIM. The holy, exalted King we bow to is loving & faithful. He alone is God.
KSD / GEFC www.GetGraced.org
Here is all of Psalm 138 (ESV)
Give Thanks to the LORD Of David.
1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. [a] 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. [b]
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. 6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Footnotes:
1. Psalm 138:2 Or you have exalted your word above all your name 2. Psalm 138:3 Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength
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