Psalms 35:18

Psalms 35:18 (KJV): "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."

Context

Psalm 35 is a fervent prayer of David, pleading with God for deliverance from his enemies who are unjustly persecuting him. Throughout the psalm, David vividly describes the treachery and malice of his adversaries, who repay his good with evil and mock his distress (see Psalm 35:12). This particular verse, Psalms 35:18, represents a solemn vow or promise made by David. It’s a declaration of his intent to publicly express gratitude and praise God once his enemies are defeated and he is vindicated. It stands in contrast to the earlier laments and pleas for divine intervention found in verses like Psalm 35:1, showing his faith in God's eventual deliverance and his commitment to acknowledge it openly.

Key Themes and Messages

• Public Thanksgiving and Praise: The core message is David's commitment to public worship. He doesn't intend to praise God in secret but "in the great congregation" and "among much people." This highlights the communal aspect of faith and the desire for God's glory to be openly proclaimed among His assembled people.
• Vow of Gratitude: This verse is a solemn promise made by David to God. He pledges specific actions of thanksgiving and praise once God answers his prayer and grants him deliverance. Such vows were common in ancient Israel as expressions of deep commitment and trust in God's faithfulness.
• Vindication and Testimony: David's public praise would serve as a powerful testimony to God's justice and power. His deliverance from unjust persecution would be a visible sign of God's righteousness, encouraging others to trust in the Lord and validating David's faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "congregation" here is qahal (קָהָל), which refers to an assembly or gathering, often with religious or civic significance. It denotes the formal assembly of Israel, gathered for worship or important communal matters. The word for "praise" is halal (הָלַל), from which we derive "hallelujah." It means to shine, to boast, to celebrate, or to be clamorously foolish in joy. This suggests a vibrant, open, and perhaps even boisterous expression of gratitude, not a quiet, reserved acknowledgment of God's goodness.

Practical Application

Psalms 35:18 offers several timeless applications for believers today:

• Fulfilling Our Vows: Just as David promised public praise, we are called to fulfill our commitments to God, especially after He has answered our prayers or brought us through difficult times. Our gratitude should be expressed tangibly.
• The Importance of Corporate Worship: The verse underscores the value of gathering with other believers for public worship and thanksgiving. Our personal experiences of God's faithfulness can strengthen the faith of the entire community, reminding us not to forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25).
• Sharing Our Testimony: When God delivers us or blesses us, our story of His goodness becomes a powerful testimony that can encourage and inspire others. We are called to openly declare what God has done for us, just as David intended to do. This public declaration brings glory to God and strengthens the faith of those who hear.