Psalms 18:24

Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Therefore hath the LORD {H3068} recompensed {H7725} me according to my righteousness {H6664}, according to the cleanness {H1252} of my hands {H3027} in his eyesight {H5869}.

"Hence ADONAI repaid me for my uprightness, according to the purity of my hands in his view.

So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

Therefore hath Jehovah recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Context

Psalm 18 is a magnificent psalm of David, a song of thanksgiving and praise to the LORD for delivering him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of King Saul. This psalm is nearly identical to the account found in 2 Samuel 22. In this context, David is not claiming sinless perfection, but rather asserting his integrity and blamelessness concerning the specific accusations and conflicts with his adversaries. He is affirming that his conduct was just and honorable in the eyes of God, particularly in contrast to the malice and deceit of those who pursued him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Recompense: The verse highlights God's attribute as a righteous judge who observes and rewards faithfulness. David believes God has acted on his behalf because of his upright walk and sincere intentions.
  • Integrity and Uprightness: David emphasizes his "righteousness" and "cleanness of hands." This refers to his moral and ethical conduct, particularly his innocence in the face of false accusations and his refusal to retaliate with evil against his enemies. It speaks to a life lived in accordance with God's commands, at least in the context of the situation described.
  • God's Omniscience: The phrase "in his eyesight" is crucial. It underscores that God sees beyond outward appearances and human judgment, discerning the true motives and inner state of the heart. David appeals to God's perfect knowledge of his innocence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is tzedeq (צֶדֶק), which denotes conformity to a standard, often implying ethical rectitude, justice, or a right standing. Here, it signifies David's just cause and his blameless conduct relative to his enemies, not a claim to absolute sinlessness. The phrase "cleanness of my hands" (בֹּר יָדַי - bor yadai) is a common biblical idiom signifying innocence, especially from guilt, violence, or corruption. It implies that David's actions were pure and untainted by the evil deeds of his adversaries. This concept is echoed in other psalms, such as Psalm 24:4, which speaks of those who ascend to God's holy hill as having "clean hands, and a pure heart."

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 18:24 offers several profound insights. While we understand that all humanity has fallen short of God's perfect glory (Romans 3:23) and salvation comes through grace by faith in Christ, David's words still encourage a life of integrity. This verse reminds us that God truly sees our efforts to walk in obedience and purity, even when others misunderstand or falsely accuse us. It encourages us to strive for a clear conscience before God, trusting that He is a just God who will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Living with "clean hands" means making choices that align with God's will, even when difficult, and trusting in His ultimate recompense and justice.

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.

  • Ruth 2:12

    The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

  • Matthew 10:41

    He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

  • Matthew 10:42

    And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

  • 1 Samuel 26:23

    The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into [my] hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

  • Hebrews 6:16

    For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6

    Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7

    And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

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