2 Samuel 22:50

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

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}.

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

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

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

2 Samuel 22:50 is a powerful declaration of King David's thanksgiving and commitment to God, found within a comprehensive song of deliverance that is nearly identical to Psalm 18:49. This verse encapsulates David's response to the Lord's mighty acts of salvation from all his enemies, particularly King Saul.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy psalm (2 Samuel 22:1-51) that David sang "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). It is a retrospective reflection on God's faithfulness and protection throughout his life. The "Therefore" points back to the extensive recounting of God's miraculous intervention, power, and justice detailed in the preceding verses, highlighting the profound reasons for David's public declaration of praise.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving and Praise: The core message is David's resolve to actively and publicly express gratitude and adoration to God. It's a joyful response of worship for the divine deliverance he experienced.
  • Divine Deliverance: The entire chapter underscores God's role as David's deliverer, fortress, and shield. This verse is the natural outflow of a heart overwhelmed by God's powerful salvation.
  • Universal Witness: The phrase "among the heathen" (Hebrew: goyim, referring to the nations or Gentiles) is highly significant. David's praise is not confined to 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 as evidence of God's intention to save Gentiles.
  • God's Name Glorified: David's ultimate aim is to sing praises "unto thy name," emphasizing the character, reputation, and authority of God. This exalts the Lord above all other deities.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "LORD" (KJV) consistently translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (יהוה), often pronounced Yahweh or Jehovah, signifying God's covenant faithfulness and self-existence.
  • "Give thanks" comes from the Hebrew word yadah (יָדָה), which encompasses ideas of praise, confession, and thanksgiving, often with an extended hand or public declaration. It implies an acknowledgement of God's goodness.
  • "Sing praises" is from zamar (זָמַר), meaning to make music with instruments and voice, specifically in adoration or celebration. It denotes a joyful and melodic expression of worship.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 22:50 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today:

  • Respond to Deliverance: Just as David responded to God's salvation with praise, we are called to acknowledge and give thanks for God's interventions in our lives, whether big or small, recognizing His faithfulness.
  • Public Witness: Our thanksgiving should not be private but should extend to those around us, even "among the heathen" – our colleagues, neighbors, and friends who may not know Christ. Our lives of gratitude can be a powerful testimony to God's goodness and love, drawing others to Him.
  • Universal Scope: This verse reminds us that God's plan of salvation extends beyond any single nation or group. We are part of a global community called to praise His name and share His goodness with all peoples, fulfilling the call to make disciples of all nations, as seen in Matthew 28:19.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 15:9

    And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

  • Psalms 145:1

    ¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 145:2

    Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 18:49

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

  • Psalms 146:1

    ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

  • Psalms 146:2

    While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

  • Isaiah 12:1

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
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