Psalms 30:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} and Song {H7892} at the dedication {H2598} of the house {H1004} of David {H1732}. I will extol {H7311} thee, O LORD {H3068}; for thou hast lifted me up {H1802}, and hast not made my foes {H341} to rejoice {H8055} over me.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm. A song for the dedication of the house. By David: I will exalt you, ADONAI, because you drew me up; you didn't let my enemies rejoice over me.

Berean Standard Bible

I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.

American Standard Version

I will extol thee, O Jehovah; for thou hast raised me up, And hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 30:1 opens a profound psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to King David, celebrating God's mighty deliverance and unfailing faithfulness. It immediately sets a tone of fervent praise born out of personal experience, where David extols the Lord for His powerful intervention, which not only rescued him from a desperate situation but also prevented his adversaries from triumphing over him. This verse encapsulates the core message of divine vindication and the appropriate response of grateful worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 30 is uniquely titled "A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David." This superscription immediately signals a psalm of thanksgiving, likely for a specific occasion of divine deliverance and blessing related to David's personal dwelling or reign. The opening verse, "I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me," serves as a thematic summary for the entire psalm. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 30:2-3](/psalms/30-2 "Psalms 30:2-3 - David's Cry and Deliverance")) elaborate on the nature of the distress (illness, near-death experience) from which God delivered David, detailing his cry for help and God's gracious response. The psalm then transitions into a call for others to join in praise and a reflection on the fleeting nature of God's wrath versus the enduring nature of His favor, culminating in a renewed vow of lifelong praise. Thus, verse 1 is not merely an introduction but a declaration of the psalm's central truth: God's triumphant deliverance warrants unceasing praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the dedication of the house of David" most likely refers to the inauguration of David's royal palace in Jerusalem, built with the assistance of Hiram, King of Tyre, as recorded in [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram Builds David's House"). This event marked a significant milestone in David's reign, symbolizing stability, divine favor, and the establishment of his kingdom in Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's dwelling was not merely a personal residence but a symbol of his power, legitimacy, and the favor of his deity. The dedication of such a structure would have been a momentous occasion, often accompanied by religious ceremonies. David's life was consistently marked by intense struggle and opposition from various adversaries—Saul, the Philistines, rebellious factions, and even his own son Absalom. For his "foes to rejoice over" him would have been the ultimate humiliation and a sign of God's disfavor. Therefore, God's prevention of their triumph was a profound vindication of David's righteous standing and God's faithfulness to His anointed king.

* **Key Themes:** The opening declaration of Psalms 30:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Unwavering Thanksgiving and Praise**, as David's immediate and resolute declaration, "I will extol thee, O LORD," establishes the psalm's central purpose: fervent gratitude and high praise directed towards God. This is not a reluctant acknowledgment but a heartfelt outpouring of a soul overwhelmed by divine goodness. Closely intertwined is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Uplifting**, encapsulated in the phrase "for thou hast lifted me up." This speaks directly to God's active and powerful intervention, implying a rescue from a desperate or low situation, which could encompass severe illness, imminent danger, or overwhelming despair. This motif of God drawing one out of deep trouble is common in Davidic psalms, such as when God [draws one out of many waters](/psalms/18-16 "Psalms 18:16 - God's Deliverance from Deep Waters"). Finally, the verse highlights **Vindication Over Adversaries**, expressed by "and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me." David's enemies often sought his downfall and would have gloated at his suffering. God's timely intervention prevented their ultimate triumph, thereby vindicating David and demonstrating divine power and faithfulness, a theme echoed in other psalms where the righteous are protected from the schemes of the wicked, as seen in [Psalms 27:1-3](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1-3 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Extol (Hebrew, _rûm'_):** The verb רוּם (*rûm*) literally means "to be high, to rise, to be exalted." When used in the context of praising God, it signifies lifting Him up in honor, magnifying His name, and acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and majesty. It's an act of worship that elevates God above all circumstances and all other entities, declaring His preeminence. The choice of this verb here creates a beautiful linguistic parallel with God's action of "lifting up" David, suggesting that as God lifts His servant, His servant in turn lifts Him in praise.
* **Lifted me up (Hebrew, _dālâ'_):** The verb דלה (*dālâ*) carries the primary meaning of "to draw out, to draw up," often used in the context of drawing water from a well (e.g., Exodus 2:16, 19). Here, it metaphorically describes God rescuing David from a deep, low, or desperate place—a pit of despair, illness, or mortal danger. It conveys a sense of powerful, deliberate extraction from a dire situation, emphasizing God's active and saving intervention. This is not a passive elevation but an active, forceful rescue.
* **Foes (Hebrew, _'ôyēḇîm'_):** The noun אויבים (*'ôyēḇîm*) refers to personal enemies, adversaries, or those who are hostile. In David's context, these were often political or military opponents, but also those who wished him personal harm or spiritual downfall. The phrase "rejoice over me" (שׂמח בי - *sāmaḥ bî*) denotes malicious gloating, triumphal mockery, and satisfaction at another's misfortune. It implies a complete victory, not just over David's person but over his reputation and his God. God's prevention of this rejoicing underscores His protective care and His commitment to His covenant with David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David.":** This superscription provides crucial interpretive context. It identifies the genre as both a "Psalm" (מזמור - *mizmôr*, a song accompanied by stringed instruments) and a "Song" (שיר - *šîr*, a general term for a song), indicating its liturgical and celebratory nature. The occasion, "the dedication of the house of David," points to a specific historical event, likely the inauguration of his palace in Jerusalem, linking the psalm to a moment of national and personal significance, marking God's blessing and establishment of David's reign.
* **"I will extol thee, O LORD;":** This is David's immediate and fervent declaration of purpose. "I will extol thee" (ארוממך - *'ărômemkā*) signifies his unwavering commitment to highly praise and exalt God. The direct address, "O LORD" (יהוה - Yahweh), emphasizes a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This opening sets the tone for the entire psalm as a personal vow of worship stemming from an experience of divine grace.
* **"for thou hast lifted me up, ":** This clause provides the primary reason for David's praise. The conjunction "for" (כי - *kî*) indicates causation. God's action of "lifting me up" (דליתני - *dālîtanî*) implies a powerful rescue from a desperate, low, or even deathly situation. It suggests God's active, compassionate intervention to restore David from a state of vulnerability or suffering, perhaps from severe illness as implied later in the psalm.
* **"and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.":** This second reason for praise highlights God's protective and vindicating power. God's intervention not only rescued David but also prevented his enemies from achieving their ultimate goal: to gloat over his downfall. This signifies God's faithfulness to His servant, ensuring that His honor and David's righteous standing are upheld against malicious opposition. It speaks to God's justice in preventing the wicked from triumphing over the righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 30:1, though concise, employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Antithetical Parallelism** in the second half of the verse. While not strictly opposite, the idea of God "lifting me up" is contrasted with the negative outcome of "not made my foes to rejoice over me," where God's positive action prevents a negative outcome desired by adversaries. This highlights the dual nature of God's deliverance: active rescue and protective prevention. The phrase "lifted me up" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing a rescue from a metaphorical "pit" or low state of distress, illness, or danger, akin to drawing water from a deep well. This vivid imagery conveys the depth of David's predicament and the magnitude of God's intervention. Furthermore, the direct address "O LORD" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses a divine being, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of David's relationship with God. Finally, the entire verse, as a declaration of praise, serves as a **Proleptic Statement**, anticipating the full narrative of distress and deliverance that will unfold in the subsequent verses of the psalm, thereby setting the overarching tone of triumph and gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 30:1 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly His commitment to deliver and vindicate the righteous. It underscores the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, who not only hears the cries of His servant but also acts decisively to rescue them from the clutches of despair and the schemes of adversaries. This verse establishes a fundamental theological principle: divine deliverance is the ultimate reason for human praise. It teaches that God's glory is revealed not only in His majestic power but also in His tender care for individuals, preventing their ultimate humiliation and ensuring their triumph. The psalm's context of dedicating a house extends this personal deliverance to a communal and symbolic level, suggesting that God's blessing on David's personal life is intertwined with His blessing on his kingdom and people. This act of dedication, prompted by God's faithfulness, becomes a model for all believers to consecrate their lives and blessings back to the Lord in grateful response.

* [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalms 3:7 - Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!")
* [Psalms 40:2-3](/psalms/40-2-3 "Psalms 40:2-3 - He Drew Me Up from the Pit")
* [Isaiah 25:9](/isaiah/25-9 "Isaiah 25:9 - We Have Waited for Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 30:1 offers a timeless blueprint for our response to God's faithfulness in our own lives. Just as David experienced profound deliverance and responded with immediate, heartfelt praise, we too are called to recognize God's hand in every instance of rescue, healing, provision, or protection. This verse reminds us that true worship is often born out of a deep awareness of our vulnerability and God's sovereign power to lift us from our lowest points. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude that transcends circumstances, acknowledging that even when trials persist, God's ultimate purpose is to prevent our ultimate defeat and to ensure His glory is revealed through our vindication. In a world where adversaries, whether spiritual, relational, or circumstantial, often seek to diminish our hope and joy, this psalm encourages us to fix our gaze on the Lord, trusting that He is our ultimate deliverer and the one who will never allow our foes to have the final word. Our lives, like David's house, are meant to be dedicated spaces of worship, continually offered back to the One who has lifted us up.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "low places" or desperate situations has God "lifted you up" from in your life, and how have you responded?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God preventing your "foes" (whether people, circumstances, or spiritual forces) from triumphing over you?**
* **How does the concept of dedicating your "house" (your life, family, resources) to the Lord inform your daily walk of faith?**
* **What specific act of praise can you offer to the Lord today in response to His past and present faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the superscription "A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David"?**

Answer: The superscription is crucial for understanding the psalm's context and purpose. It indicates that Psalms 30 is both a "Psalm" (a song for musical accompaniment) and a "Song" (a general song), suggesting its suitability for public worship and celebration. The phrase "at the dedication of the house of David" most likely refers to the inauguration of David's royal palace in Jerusalem, built with the help of Hiram, King of Tyre, as described in [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram Builds David's House"). This event marked a significant moment of stability and divine blessing in David's reign after years of wandering and conflict. The psalm, therefore, is a thanksgiving offering for God's faithfulness, not just in David's personal deliverance from illness or enemies (as implied in the body of the psalm), but also in establishing his kingdom and providing him a secure dwelling, symbolizing God's covenant loyalty. It transforms a personal testimony into a public act of worship and dedication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 30:1, with its declaration of God "lifting up" David and preventing his foes from rejoicing, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of deliverance from the pit of sickness and the triumph over earthly adversaries foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Jesus Himself was "lifted up" in various ways: on the cross, a moment of profound humiliation that paradoxically became His exaltation (as prophesied in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up") and [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")); from the grave in His glorious resurrection; and to the Father's right hand in His ascension, where He was "highly exalted" (as described in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, ensuring that our ultimate "foes" could not rejoice over us ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His victory means that believers, united with Him, are also "lifted up" from the power of sin and death, sharing in His triumph. The dedication of David's house, a symbol of stability and God's presence, points to Christ as the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, and the one who builds His church, a spiritual house dedicated to God's glory ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death"); [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, David's personal psalm of thanksgiving becomes a prophetic echo of the greater salvation wrought by Christ, compelling all believers to "extol" the Lord for their ultimate deliverance.

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 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Psalms 13:4

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Deuteronomy 20:5

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Psalms 140:8

¶ Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah.

2 Samuel 5:11

¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.