Psalms 18:49

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

Therefore will I give thanks {H3034} unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, among the heathen {H1471}, and 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.

Psalms 18:49 is a powerful declaration of King David's gratitude and commitment to praise God, not just within Israel, but universally. This verse concludes a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance from all his enemies, particularly King Saul.

Context

Psalm 18 is often considered one of the greatest psalms, a "song of deliverance" (as noted in 2 Samuel 22:1, where a nearly identical psalm appears). David recounts God's dramatic intervention and rescue from life-threatening situations. Having experienced God's faithfulness firsthand, David's praise transcends the boundaries of his own people, looking outward to the broader world. This verse reflects the culmination of his profound appreciation and recognition of God's supreme power over all.

Key Themes

  • Universal Praise: The phrase "among the heathen" (or nations/Gentiles) is central, highlighting David's commitment to proclaim God's greatness beyond the covenant people of Israel. It foreshadows the New Testament understanding of God's salvation extending to all peoples (Paul quotes this very verse in Romans 15:9 to support the inclusion of Gentiles in Christ).
  • Thanksgiving for Deliverance: The entire psalm is a testament to God's saving power. Verse 49 serves as a personal vow of public gratitude for God's mighty acts on David's behalf.
  • God's Sovereign Glory: David acknowledges that the LORD's name is worthy of praise and recognition by all humanity, not just those who already know Him. This speaks to God's ultimate plan for His glory to be known throughout the earth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "heathen" translates the Hebrew word goyim (גּוֹיִם), which simply means "nations" or "peoples" and often refers to non-Israelite nations or Gentiles. David's intention is clear: his praise will be heard by those who do not share his covenant relationship with God. The verbs "give thanks" (from yadah, יָדָה) and "sing praises" (from zamar, זָמַר) denote a deep, outward expression of worship, often accompanied by musical instruments and public declaration.

Practical Application

Psalms 18:49 encourages believers today to not confine their praise and witness to familiar circles. Like David, we are called to:

  • Be Public Witnesses: Our gratitude for God's deliverance and faithfulness should be evident to those around us, even in environments where faith is uncommon or misunderstood.
  • Embrace God's Global Heart: This verse reminds us that God's love and salvation are for all nations. Our worship and mission should reflect this expansive vision, praying for and sharing the good news with people from every background (see Matthew 28:19).
  • Praise in All Circumstances: Just as David praised after intense trials, we too should cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, recognizing God's hand even amidst challenges.
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.

  • 2 Samuel 22:50

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

  • 2 Samuel 22:51

    [He is] the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

  • Psalms 108:3

    I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

  • Psalms 30:12

    To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

  • Psalms 108:1

    ¶ A Song [or] Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

  • Psalms 72:18

    ¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

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