Psalms 26:7

KJV

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

KJV (with Strong's)

That I may publish {H8085} with the voice {H6963} of thanksgiving {H8426}, and tell {H5608} of all thy wondrous works {H6381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

lifting my voice in thanks and proclaiming all your wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.

American Standard Version

That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, And tell of all thy wondrous works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 26:7 encapsulates David's profound desire to publicly declare God's greatness and magnificent deeds. This verse serves as the culmination of his preceding assertions of personal integrity and unwavering devotion, revealing that authentic worship and impactful witness flow from a heart committed to the Lord. It expresses the psalmist's longing to participate in communal worship, not merely as a passive observer, but as an active voice, recounting the awe-inspiring acts of God for all to hear and acknowledge, thereby magnifying His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 26 is a fervent prayer for vindication, where David appeals to God as his righteous Judge, repeatedly asserting his blamelessness and integrity. He sharply distinguishes himself from the wicked and those who walk in deceit, declaring his unwavering trust in the Lord from the outset ([Psalms 26:1](/psalms/26-1 "Psalms 26:1 - David's Plea for Vindication and Integrity")). The verses immediately preceding verse 7, particularly ([Psalms 26:6](/psalms/26-6 "Psalms 26:6 - David's Ritual Purification for Worship")), describe David's ritualistic preparation for worship: "I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord." Verse 7 then explicitly states the *purpose* of this purification and approach to the altar—it is so that he may "publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." This establishes a direct and crucial link between a life of integrity, participation in sacred worship, and the public proclamation of God's greatness. The psalm thus moves from personal plea and self-vindication to an outward expression of praise, underscoring that a right relationship with God naturally leads to an eager desire to declare His glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, as both king and psalmist, lived within a deeply religious society where public worship and communal thanksgiving were central to Israelite life. The "altar" mentioned in ([Psalms 26:6](/psalms/26-6 "Psalms 26:6 - Approaching the Altar")) refers to the altar of burnt offering at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), which was the focal point of Israel's sacrificial worship. The act of "washing hands in innocency" was a symbolic ritual of purification before approaching God, signifying a desire for moral and ceremonial purity in His presence, a practice seen in priestly regulations ([Exodus 30:19-21](/exodus/30-19 "Exodus 30:19-21 - Priestly Ablutions")). Public proclamation of God's deeds ([Psalms 26:7](/psalms/26-7 "Psalms 26:7 - Public Declaration of God's Works")) was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often taking the form of hymns, songs, or narratives to celebrate a deity's power and benevolence. For Israel, this was a vital component of remembering God's covenant faithfulness and His mighty acts throughout their history, from the miraculous Exodus ([Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses")) to the establishment of the kingdom, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** This psalm, and particularly verse 7, contributes significantly to several overarching themes found within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, emphasizing that a pure heart and a blameless walk are prerequisites for genuine worship and effective witness. David's plea for vindication is rooted in his unwavering commitment to God's ways, contrasting sharply with the path of the wicked ([Psalms 26:4-5](/psalms/26-4 "Psalms 26:4-5 - David's Separation from the Wicked")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Public Worship and Proclamation**, demonstrating that individual devotion naturally overflows into communal expression of praise. Thanksgiving is not a private affair but a "voice" to be heard, a testimony to be shared, fostering corporate remembrance and adoration. Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's Wondrous Works**, calling attention to His miraculous interventions, creative power, and providential care throughout history. These awe-inspiring acts form the essential basis for Israel's praise and remembrance, serving as a constant reminder of God's unique sovereignty and faithfulness ([Psalms 77:11-12](/psalms/77-11 "Psalms 77:11-12 - Remembering God's Marvelous Deeds")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Publish (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The Hebrew verb יָדַע (*yada'*) primarily means "to know," but in this context, it carries the intensive sense of "to make known," "to declare," or "to proclaim publicly." It implies an active, intentional dissemination of information, not merely a passive reception. David desires to actively spread the knowledge of God's greatness, making it public and accessible to others. This is more than just speaking; it's about broadcasting, ensuring that God's deeds are widely recognized and celebrated.
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _todah'_):** The Hebrew word תּוֹדָה (*todah*) refers to an expression of gratitude, often in the context of praise or confession. It can denote a thank-offering, a song of praise, or a public acknowledgment of God's goodness. Here, "voice of thanksgiving" implies a vocal, audible, and likely communal, expression of gratitude. It's a joyful and deliberate declaration of appreciation for God's character and actions, often in response to deliverance or blessing, emphasizing the audibility and communal nature of this praise.
* **Wondrous works (Hebrew, _niphla'ot'_):** The Hebrew term נִפְלָאוֹת (*niphla'ot*), derived from the root *pala* (to be wonderful, extraordinary), refers to extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing deeds. These are acts that evoke awe and wonder, demonstrating God's unique power, wisdom, and intervention in the world and in the lives of His people. They are not merely impressive; they are supernatural, setting God apart from all other beings and powers and serving as the foundation for His people's praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving,"**: This clause articulates David's ultimate purpose and motivation for his preceding actions of purification and drawing near to the altar. His desire is to actively and publicly declare God's praise. The phrase "with the voice of thanksgiving" emphasizes an audible, communal, and heartfelt expression of gratitude. It signifies that his worship is not silent or private, but a vibrant, vocal testimony, a joyful acknowledgment of God's benevolence and faithfulness. This public declaration is the natural outflow of a life committed to God's ways.
* **"and tell of all thy wondrous works."**: This parallel clause specifies the comprehensive content of David's public proclamation. He desires to recount, narrate, and make known the entirety ("all") of God's extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring deeds. These "wondrous works" encompass God's acts of creation, His providential care, His deliverances of Israel, and His personal interventions in David's life. This part of the verse highlights the importance of remembering and articulating God's historical and ongoing faithfulness as the foundational basis for praise and testimony.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 26:7 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "and tell of all thy wondrous works," reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first clause, "That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving." Both phrases emphasize the central theme of public proclamation and testimony, using different but related expressions to deepen the impact and create a sense of completeness. The phrase "voice of thanksgiving" also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "voice" stands in for the audible expression of gratitude, and perhaps even **Personification**, as thanksgiving itself is given an active "voice." This imbues the act of gratitude with vitality and an active presence. Furthermore, the use of "all" in "all thy wondrous works" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, emphasizing the comprehensive and boundless nature of God's magnificent deeds, suggesting that there is an inexhaustible supply of reasons to praise Him. These devices combine to create a vivid and emphatic declaration of David's commitment to public worship and witness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 26:7 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of authentic worship and witness. It reveals that a life of integrity, lived in conscious separation from wickedness, is the necessary foundation for a genuine and public expression of praise. David's desire to "publish" and "tell" signifies that our experience of God's goodness and power should not remain private but should overflow into communal thanksgiving and testimony. This public proclamation serves not only to honor God but also to edify the community, reminding all of His sovereign acts and faithful character. The verse thus connects the personal walk of faith with the corporate act of worship, demonstrating that true devotion culminates in a desire to magnify God's name before others, recounting His "wondrous works" as a testament to His unique glory and power.

* [Psalms 9:1](/psalms/9-1 "I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.")
* [Psalms 105:2](/psalms/105-2 "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.")
* [Isaiah 12:4](/isaiah/12-4 "And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 26:7 serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to examine the authenticity of our worship, urging us to ensure that our public praise stems from a life committed to integrity and a genuine separation from the ways of the world. Just as David sought to wash his hands in innocency before approaching the altar, we are reminded that our outward expressions of faith are most potent when they are rooted in an inward reality of devotion to God. This verse compels us to move beyond private gratitude, inspiring us to actively and vocally declare God's goodness and mighty acts to those around us. It encourages us to cultivate a habit of remembering and recounting God's "wondrous works" in our own lives and in the broader narrative of salvation history, thereby strengthening our own faith and inspiring others to acknowledge His sovereignty and grace. Our testimony, both in word and deed, becomes a powerful instrument for God's glory when it flows from a pure heart eager to publish His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I actively "publish with the voice of thanksgiving" in my daily life, beyond formal worship settings?**
* **How intentionally do I "tell of all thy wondrous works," both from Scripture and from my personal experience, to others around me?**
* **What connection do I see between my personal integrity and the authenticity and impact of my public praise and witness for God?**
* **Are there any specific "wondrous works" of God, either in my life or in biblical history, that I have neglected to remember or declare, and how can I begin to do so more consistently?**

### FAQ
**What does "publish with the voice of thanksgiving" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: Practically, "publish with the voice of thanksgiving" means to actively and audibly express gratitude to God, not just in private prayer but also in public and communal settings. This can take many forms: singing hymns and praise songs in corporate worship, sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness with fellow believers or non-believers, offering verbal prayers of thanks in groups, or simply articulating appreciation for God's blessings in everyday conversations. It implies a joyful and unreserved declaration of God's goodness, making His acts known and celebrated by others. It's about letting our gratitude be heard, giving glory to God for His character and His deeds, much like the early church continually gave thanks and praised God publicly ([Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - The Early Church Praising God")).

**How does "wondrous works" relate to God's actions throughout history?**

Answer: "Wondrous works" (Hebrew: *niphla'ot*) refers to God's extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring interventions that transcend human capability and understanding. Throughout biblical history, these include His acts of creation ([Psalms 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalms 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")), the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt through the Exodus ([Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Uniqueness in Power")), His faithful provision in the wilderness, His establishment of the covenant, and His numerous acts of salvation and judgment. These "wondrous works" are not merely historical events but ongoing demonstrations of God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty, serving as the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and worship. They are the objective basis upon which David's (and our) thanksgiving and praise are built, reminding us of God's active and powerful involvement in the world ([Psalms 77:14](/psalms/77-14 "Psalms 77:14 - God Doing Wonders")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 26:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David longed to proclaim God's "wondrous works" from the Old Covenant, the New Testament reveals that the greatest of God's wondrous works is the sending of His Son for the redemption of humanity. Jesus himself is the embodiment of God's power and love, His life, death, and resurrection being the supreme acts of divine intervention, surpassing all previous miracles. Through Christ, God has accomplished the ultimate deliverance from sin and death, establishing a new covenant of grace. Therefore, for the believer, "publishing with the voice of thanksgiving" now primarily involves proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confessing Jesus as Lord and Believing in Your Heart")). The "wondrous works" we are called to tell of are supremely centered on the cross and empty tomb, which demonstrate God's unparalleled love and power ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross as the Power of God")). Our thanksgiving is rooted in the salvation we have received through Him, and our witness becomes a declaration of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to go into all the world and make disciples, telling of His wondrous work of redemption, so that all may hear and believe ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission to Make Disciples")). This transforms David's ancient longing into the church's eternal mission and joyous proclamation.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 9:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Psalms 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

1 Samuel 1:24

And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young.