Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 138:1

"I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee." — Psalms 138:1 (ASV)

Before the gods.— Undoubtedly, as in Psalms 82:1: “before the great” or “mighty.” (Compare to Psalms 119:46, before kings.)

Sing praise.— Rather, play.