2 Samuel 22:50

KJV

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I will give thanks {H3034} unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, among the heathen {H1471}, and I will sing praises {H2167} unto thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So I give thanks to you, ADONAI, among the nations; I sing praises to your name.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name.

American Standard Version

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the nations, And will sing praises unto thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:50 is a profound declaration of King David's unwavering gratitude and commitment to praise the Lord, articulated within a magnificent song of deliverance that recounts God's powerful salvation from all his enemies, particularly King Saul. This verse serves as a climactic expression of David's response to divine faithfulness, resolving to publicly proclaim God's greatness not only within Israel but also among the nations, thereby extending the witness of Yahweh's sovereignty and redemptive power to the entire world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the penultimate statement in David's extended "song of deliverance" found in 2 Samuel 22:1-51, which is almost identical to [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"). The chapter opens by explicitly stating that David sang this song "in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul" ([2 Samuel 22:1](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Song of Deliverance")). The preceding verses meticulously detail God's dramatic intervention, His cosmic power displayed on David's behalf, and His righteous judgment against David's adversaries. The "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lakhen_) at the beginning of verse 50 functions as a logical conclusion, indicating that David's resolve to give thanks and sing praises is the direct and inevitable outcome of the extensive divine acts of salvation recounted throughout the psalm. It marks the transition from recounting God's deeds to expressing a personal, public response of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by constant conflict and divine protection. From his anointing as king, through his flight from Saul, to his establishment of the kingdom and subsequent wars, David repeatedly experienced God as his "rock," "fortress," and "deliverer" ([2 Samuel 22:2-3](/2_samuel/22-2 "2 Samuel 22:2-3 - God as David's Rock and Fortress")). Public expressions of thanksgiving and praise were integral to ancient Israelite worship and covenant faithfulness. Kings, as representatives of the nation, often led such declarations. The mention of "among the heathen" (גּוֹיִם, _goyim_ – nations/Gentiles) is particularly significant. While Israel was God's chosen people, there was always an underlying understanding in the Old Testament that God's ultimate plan extended beyond Israel to encompass all nations, often through Israel's witness. David's desire to praise God among the _goyim_ reflects a prophetic impulse, anticipating the universal scope of God's redemptive work.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in David's life and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Thanksgiving and Praise** are central, portraying David's fervent, active, and public expression of gratitude and adoration to God. This is not a passive acknowledgment but a joyful, vocal, and intentional act of worship. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Deliverance** undergirds the entire song; God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate rescuer and protector, demonstrating His faithfulness to His anointed king. David's praise is the natural, overflowing response of a heart overwhelmed by God's powerful salvation from every enemy. Thirdly, the phrase "among the heathen" introduces the theme of **Universal Witness**. David's praise is not confined to the covenant community of Israel; he desires to proclaim God's greatness even to those who do not yet know Him. This foreshadows the broader scope of God's redemptive plan, a theme later highlighted by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Paul's Quotation of 2 Samuel 22:50") as evidence of God's intention to include Gentiles in His salvation. Finally, David's aim to "sing praises unto thy name" emphasizes the glorification of **God's Name**, which represents His character, reputation, and authority, exalting the Lord above all other deities and powers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהוָה _YHWH_):** This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah. Its usage here signifies God's self-existence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His active presence in the lives of His people. David's praise is directed not to a generic deity but to the specific God who has entered into covenant with Israel and demonstrated His power and love.
* **give thanks (Hebrew, יָדָה _yadah_):** This verb means to praise, confess, or give thanks, often with an extended hand or a public declaration. It implies an open acknowledgment of God's goodness, power, and justice. It's a proactive and outward expression of gratitude, not merely an internal feeling.
* **sing praises (Hebrew, זָמַר _zamar_):** This word denotes making music with instruments and voice, specifically in adoration or celebration. It implies a joyful, melodic, and often communal expression of worship. When paired with "give thanks," it emphasizes the full spectrum of David's worship – both verbal acknowledgment and musical celebration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen":** The opening "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lakhen_) directly links David's future action of thanksgiving to the preceding narrative of God's mighty acts of deliverance. David's gratitude is a logical and necessary response to God's faithfulness. The phrase "among the heathen" (בַגּוֹיִם, _bagoyim_) is profoundly significant. It indicates David's intention to make his praise public and universal, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to the Gentile nations. This is not merely a personal vow but a declaration of God's universal sovereignty and David's desire for His name to be known globally.
* **"and I will sing praises unto thy name":** This clause parallels the first, reinforcing David's commitment to worship. "Sing praises" (אֲזַמְּרָה, _azammerah_) signifies a joyful, musical, and vocal expression of adoration. The object of this praise is "thy name," which in Hebrew thought encapsulates the entirety of God's character, reputation, attributes, and revealed being. To praise God's name is to acknowledge and celebrate who He is in His essence and in His actions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "I will give thanks... among the heathen" is paralleled by "I will sing praises unto thy name." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central theme of public worship and thanksgiving. The phrase "among the heathen" can be understood as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Figurative Language**, representing a profound desire for universal acknowledgment of God, rather than a literal commitment to travel to every Gentile nation. It signifies the expansive nature of David's vision for God's glory. The use of "thy name" is a powerful **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person and character of God, emphasizing that the praise is directed at God's very being and reputation. The psalm as a whole, concluding with this declaration, also demonstrates a form of **Inclusio** with its opening verses, as both the beginning and end emphasize God's deliverance and David's resulting praise, thus framing the entire song within the context of grateful worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 22:50 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that divine deliverance elicits profound human praise. David's response exemplifies the proper posture of a believer who has experienced God's saving power. The theological significance extends beyond personal gratitude, however, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and His redemptive plan for all humanity. David's desire to praise God "among the heathen" foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to every nation. This verse underscores that God's glory is not confined to one people but is meant to be revealed and celebrated by all peoples, culminating in a global chorus of worship. It speaks to the expansive nature of God's grace and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, drawing all peoples to Himself.

* [Psalm 18:49](/psalms/18-49 "The Parallel Passage")
* [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Paul's Quotation of 2 Samuel 22:50")
* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Declare His Glory Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's resolute declaration in 2 Samuel 22:50 challenges believers today to consider the depth and breadth of their own thanksgiving. Just as David responded to God's mighty acts of deliverance with public and universal praise, we are called to acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives, recognizing His constant presence and intervention. This verse compels us to move beyond private gratitude to a public witness, understanding that our lives of worship and thankfulness can be a powerful testimony to those around us, including those who do not yet know Christ. Our praise should not be confined to the walls of a church or the comfort of our own community but should spill over into every sphere of our lives, demonstrating God's goodness and love to a watching world. It reminds us that our personal salvation is part of a grander, global narrative of God drawing all peoples to Himself, inviting us to participate in His mission of making His name known among the nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's deliverance or faithfulness in your life recently?**
* **How can you move from private gratitude to more public expressions of thanksgiving for God's goodness?**
* **What does it mean for you to praise God "among the heathen" in your daily life, among your colleagues, neighbors, or friends who may not share your faith?**
* **How does understanding God's universal plan for all nations impact your personal worship and mission?**

### FAQ

**Why is this psalm repeated in both 2 Samuel and Psalms?**

Answer: The near-identical appearance of this song in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") highlights its profound significance and enduring theological value. In 2 Samuel, it serves as a climactic summary of David's life, placed at the end of his reign as a testament to God's faithfulness throughout his trials and triumphs. It functions as a historical and biographical reflection. In the book of Psalms, it is included as part of Israel's hymnal, providing a model for corporate and individual worship, demonstrating how to express praise and thanksgiving for divine deliverance. The slight textual variations between the two versions are common in ancient manuscripts and suggest minor editorial adaptations for different liturgical or narrative contexts, but the core message remains powerfully consistent.

**What does "among the heathen" mean for us today?**

Answer: The phrase "among the heathen" (בַגּוֹיִם, _bagoyim_), referring to the nations or Gentiles, carries significant meaning for contemporary believers. For David, it expressed a desire that God's glory would be known beyond the borders of Israel. For us, it means that our praise and witness to God's goodness should not be confined to our Christian circles or comfort zones. It calls us to embody and declare God's truth and love in diverse contexts: our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and even globally through missions and outreach. It challenges us to live lives of such evident gratitude and faith that those who do not know Christ are drawn to inquire about the source of our hope and joy. As the Apostle Paul quotes this very verse in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Paul's Quotation of 2 Samuel 22:50") to justify the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, it underscores the universal, inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:50 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king and deliverer, foreshadows the greater Son of David, Jesus, who is the ultimate Deliverer from sin, death, and the power of darkness. David's song of thanksgiving for his personal salvation anticipates the cosmic praise due to Christ, who achieved salvation for all humanity. The desire to praise God "among the heathen" is fully realized in the person and mission of Jesus. He commanded His disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy that through Israel (and ultimately through Christ, Israel's true embodiment), all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The praise that David longed to offer among the nations is now offered by a church composed of "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Tribe")), all singing praises to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, David's ancient vow becomes the very mission of the church, empowered by the Spirit, to declare the mighty acts of God in Christ to the ends of the earth, ensuring that God's name is indeed praised among all peoples.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.