King James Version
What Does Psalms 57:9 Mean?
“I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.”
Psalms 57:9 · KJV
Context
7
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. fixed: or, prepared
8
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryI will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. This verse expands worship's scope from personal (v.7) to public, from private cave refuge to international declaration. David's commitment to praise extends beyond private devotion to public witness before peoples and nations. "I will praise thee" (odekha, אוֹדְךָ) means to give thanks, confess publicly, acknowledge—not merely feeling grateful but declaring God's goodness openly.
"Among the people" (ba'ammim, בָּעַמִּים) refers to peoples, nations, ethnic groups—plural emphasizing multiple people groups. "Among the nations" (bal'ummim, בַּלְאֻמִּים) similarly refers to national entities, Gentile nations, the peoples of the earth. This wasn't mere personal testimony among fellow Israelites but proclamation before surrounding nations. David's praise would have international audience and impact.
This missionary vision is remarkable for Old Testament context. While Israel was chosen as God's special people, the ultimate purpose was blessing all nations (Genesis 12:3). Israel's role was to be "a light to the Gentiles" (Isaiah 49:6), displaying Yahweh's character and deeds so nations would recognize Him as the one true God. David understood his deliverance wasn't merely for personal benefit but for God's glory among nations.
Paul quotes this verse in Romans 15:9 as proof that God's plan always included Gentile salvation. Alongside Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 18:49, and Isaiah 11:10, Paul demonstrates that Christ's inclusion of Gentiles fulfills Old Testament promises. Messiah would receive praise not only from Israel but from all nations. David's vow anticipates the global church worshiping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Jesus Christ.
The verse also reflects David's recognition that his story transcended personal drama. God's deliverance of David from Saul wasn't merely private favor but revelation of divine character—God who protects the vulnerable, opposes the proud, fulfills His promises, and establishes His purposes despite opposition. Such character deserves proclamation among all peoples.
"Among the people" (ba'ammim, בָּעַמִּים) refers to peoples, nations, ethnic groups—plural emphasizing multiple people groups. "Among the nations" (bal'ummim, בַּלְאֻמִּים) similarly refers to national entities, Gentile nations, the peoples of the earth. This wasn't mere personal testimony among fellow Israelites but proclamation before surrounding nations. David's praise would have international audience and impact.
This missionary vision is remarkable for Old Testament context. While Israel was chosen as God's special people, the ultimate purpose was blessing all nations (Genesis 12:3). Israel's role was to be "a light to the Gentiles" (Isaiah 49:6), displaying Yahweh's character and deeds so nations would recognize Him as the one true God. David understood his deliverance wasn't merely for personal benefit but for God's glory among nations.
Paul quotes this verse in Romans 15:9 as proof that God's plan always included Gentile salvation. Alongside Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 18:49, and Isaiah 11:10, Paul demonstrates that Christ's inclusion of Gentiles fulfills Old Testament promises. Messiah would receive praise not only from Israel but from all nations. David's vow anticipates the global church worshiping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Jesus Christ.
The verse also reflects David's recognition that his story transcended personal drama. God's deliverance of David from Saul wasn't merely private favor but revelation of divine character—God who protects the vulnerable, opposes the proud, fulfills His promises, and establishes His purposes despite opposition. Such character deserves proclamation among all peoples.
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Historical & Cultural Context
David's reign marked Israel's zenith as regional power, with influence extending from Egypt to the Euphrates. As king, David's testimony reached surrounding nations through diplomatic relations, military conquests, and international trade. When David publicly attributed his victories to Yahweh, neighboring peoples heard witness to Israel's God. The psalm's language suggests David intended this testimony as part of his kingly role.
Ancient Near Eastern kings typically credited their gods for military victories through public inscriptions, monuments, and proclamations. However, pagan rulers often portrayed their gods as tribal deities protecting particular peoples. David's proclamation differed by presenting Yahweh as sovereign over all nations, worthy of universal worship. This challenged prevailing polytheism with revolutionary monotheism.
The theme of God's praise among nations appears throughout the Psalms. Psalm 18:49 (quoted by Paul alongside Psalm 57:9) declares similar commitment. Psalm 96 commands: 'Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people' (v.3). Psalm 117, shortest psalm, calls all nations to praise Yahweh. This international vision prepared for Christ's Great Commission: 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations' (Matthew 28:19).
For exilic and post-exilic Israel, this verse offered hope. Though dispersed among nations, Jews could fulfill David's vow by praising Yahweh in diaspora communities. Their worship witnessed to surrounding pagans that Israel's God remained faithful despite their scattered condition. This prepared the ground for Gentile inclusion when gospel spread throughout Roman Empire.
Early church fulfilled this verse through international missions. Believers scattered by persecution (Acts 8:4, 11:19-21) praised God among nations, establishing churches across the Mediterranean world. Paul's missionary journeys brought praise of Israel's Messiah to Gentile nations, fulfilling both David's vow and God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed.
Ancient Near Eastern kings typically credited their gods for military victories through public inscriptions, monuments, and proclamations. However, pagan rulers often portrayed their gods as tribal deities protecting particular peoples. David's proclamation differed by presenting Yahweh as sovereign over all nations, worthy of universal worship. This challenged prevailing polytheism with revolutionary monotheism.
The theme of God's praise among nations appears throughout the Psalms. Psalm 18:49 (quoted by Paul alongside Psalm 57:9) declares similar commitment. Psalm 96 commands: 'Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people' (v.3). Psalm 117, shortest psalm, calls all nations to praise Yahweh. This international vision prepared for Christ's Great Commission: 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations' (Matthew 28:19).
For exilic and post-exilic Israel, this verse offered hope. Though dispersed among nations, Jews could fulfill David's vow by praising Yahweh in diaspora communities. Their worship witnessed to surrounding pagans that Israel's God remained faithful despite their scattered condition. This prepared the ground for Gentile inclusion when gospel spread throughout Roman Empire.
Early church fulfilled this verse through international missions. Believers scattered by persecution (Acts 8:4, 11:19-21) praised God among nations, establishing churches across the Mediterranean world. Paul's missionary journeys brought praise of Israel's Messiah to Gentile nations, fulfilling both David's vow and God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed.
Reflection Questions
- How does David's commitment to praise God 'among the nations' reflect understanding that God's works deserve international proclamation, not merely private gratitude?
- What is the relationship between personal experience of God's deliverance and public witness to others, and how does this verse call believers to move from private faith to public testimony?
- How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 15:9 demonstrate that God's plan always included bringing Gentiles to worship Him through the Messiah?
- In what ways might believers today fulfill David's commitment to praise God 'among the nations' through missionary work, evangelism, or cultural engagement?
- How does public praise for God's works serve not only to honor God but also to invite others to trust Him?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsאוֹדְךָ֖1 of 5
“I will praise”
H3034physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
בָעַמִּ֥ים׀2 of 5
“among the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲ֝זַמֶּרְךָ֗4 of 5
“I will sing”
H2167properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 57:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 57:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge