Psalms 52:9

KJV

I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before thy saints.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee for ever {H5769}, because thou hast done {H6213}{H8804)} it: and I will wait {H6960}{H8762)} on thy name {H8034}; for it is good {H2896} before thy saints {H2623}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will praise you forever for what you have done, and I will put my hope in your name; for this is what is good in the presence of your faithful.

Berean Standard Bible

I will praise You forever, because You have done it. I will wait on Your name— for it is good— in the presence of Your saints.

American Standard Version

I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it; And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 52:9 serves as a triumphant declaration of David's unyielding faith and profound commitment to God, even in the face of egregious betrayal and injustice. Following his denunciation of the destructive pride embodied by the wicked, specifically Doeg the Edomite, David articulates an eternal pledge of praise and steadfast trust in God's righteous and decisive intervention. He commits to patiently and confidently rely on God's revealed character, confident that the inherent goodness and justice of God will be openly manifested and celebrated by the community of His faithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 52 is designated as a Michtam of David, a "golden psalm" or a "maskil" (a psalm of instruction), and it powerfully juxtaposes the fleeting, destructive power of the wicked with the enduring, life-sustaining steadfast love of God. The psalm commences with a direct and scathing indictment of the "mighty man" (likely Doeg), whose deceitful tongue and violent actions are starkly exposed in [Psalms 52:1-4](/psalms/52-1-4 "Psalms 52:1-4 - The Wicked Man's Boast and Deceit"). David then pronounces God's certain and devastating judgment upon such wickedness, depicting the wicked uprooted and cast away [Psalms 52:5](/psalms/52-5 "Psalms 52:5 - God's Judgment on the Wicked"). This judgment elicits a response of reverent fear and derision from the righteous [Psalms 52:6-7](/psalms/52-6-7 "Psalms 52:6-7 - The Righteous Response to God's Judgment"). A pivotal shift occurs in [Psalms 52:8](/psalms/52-8 "Psalms 52:8 - David's Trust in God"), where David declares his personal trust, portraying himself as a flourishing "green olive tree in the house of God," deeply rooted in His unfailing love. Verse 9 then serves as the climactic culmination of this declaration, sealing his commitment to perpetual praise and patient reliance upon God, confident in His ultimate vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is explicitly prefaced with a superscription linking it to the harrowing events detailed in [1 Samuel 22](/1_samuel/22 "1 Samuel 22 - Doeg's Betrayal and the Massacre at Nob"). Doeg the Edomite, King Saul's chief herdsman, witnessed Ahimelech the priest providing aid to David at Nob and subsequently reported this to a paranoid and enraged King Saul. Saul, in a fit of tyrannical fury, commanded Doeg to execute the priests of Nob, their families, and their livestock, leading to the brutal massacre of eighty-five priests and their entire community [1 Samuel 22:9-19](/1_samuel/22-9-19 "1 Samuel 22:9-19 - Doeg's Massacre of the Priests of Nob"). David's psalm profoundly reflects the shock, grief, and righteous indignation over this horrific act of treachery, violence, and abuse of power by a man whose words were as destructive as his deeds. Culturally, the act of "waiting on the name" of God was a deeply significant expression of profound trust, patient expectation, and steadfast devotion within ancient Israel. God's "name" represented the totality of His revealed character, His attributes, His covenant faithfulness, and His very presence, often invoked in solemn oaths, public worship, and legal proceedings, signifying a complete reliance on His divine essence.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound theological and narrative themes converge and find their powerful expression in [Psalms 52:9](/psalms/52-9 "Psalms 52:9 - David's Praise and Trust in God"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, where David articulates an absolute certainty that God will intervene decisively to punish the wicked and uphold the righteous, a truth woven throughout the broader narrative of [Psalm 52](/psalms/52 "Psalm 52 - The Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous"). This unwavering certainty fuels David's **Unwavering Trust and Reliance on God**, demonstrating a mature faith that persists even when circumstances appear dire and oppressive. The concept of **Eternal Praise and Worship** is central, highlighting a commitment to glorify God not merely for what He *will* do, but for the intrinsic goodness of who He *is*, a perpetual act of adoration. Finally, the theme of **Community Affirmation** is powerfully present, as God's actions are declared "good before His saints," meaning His justice and faithfulness are publicly displayed, recognized, and celebrated by the faithful community, thereby strengthening their own resolve, encouraging their hope, and reinforcing their collective trust in God, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Psalms 34:2](/psalms/34-2 "Psalms 34:2 - The Humble Will Hear and Be Glad").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From H3034, this primitive root means "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands)." In this context, it signifies a public, active, and often vocal declaration of God's greatness, goodness, and faithfulness, frequently accompanied by an outward gesture of extended hands, denoting an open acknowledgment, confession, or thanksgiving. David's commitment to "praise thee for ever" underscores an unending, perpetual act of worship rooted in God's timeless and unwavering character.
* **Wait (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** From H6960, this primitive root means "to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect; gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon)." It conveys the nuance of hoping, expecting, or binding oneself together in confident anticipation. This is not passive resignation but an active, tenacious, and hopeful clinging to God's character and promises, particularly during periods of distress or perceived delay. To "wait on thy name" implies fixing one's hope and trust entirely on God's revealed being and attributes, enduring with steadfast patience.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this primitive word signifies "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character." In biblical thought, God's "name" encapsulates the totality of His character, reputation, authority, and divine essence. To wait on His name, therefore, means to rely completely on His very being—His power, holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness—trusting that His actions will always align perfectly with His inherent, perfect nature.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word means "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... also as an adverb (well)." It encompasses beauty, bounty, cheerfulness, favor, fineness, gladness, kindness, pleasantness, prosperity, and welfare. Here, it describes God's inherent nature and the quality of His actions. His name, His character, and His deeds are intrinsically beneficial, righteous, and pleasing, not merely from a human perspective but from a divine standard, demonstrating His perfect moral and active excellence.
* **Saints (Hebrew, _châçîyd'_):** From H2623, this word means "properly, kind, i.e. (religiously) pious (a saint); godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly." It refers to those who are the recipients of God's _hesed_ (steadfast love, covenant loyalty) and who, in turn, demonstrate piety, faithfulness, and devotion to God. These are the godly, the righteous, the loyal ones within the community of faith, before whom God's goodness is openly displayed and affirmed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]:"** David articulates an unwavering, eternal commitment to praise God. The phrase "because thou hast done [it]" speaks with the certainty of a prophetic perfect tense, referring to God's decisive and certain intervention against the wicked and His ultimate vindication of the righteous. Even if the specific judgment on Doeg or David's full deliverance had not yet materialized at the moment of composition, David's faith is so absolute that he speaks of it as an accomplished fact. This praise is not contingent upon immediate circumstances but flows from God's intrinsic goodness, His guaranteed justice, and His demonstrated faithfulness throughout history.
* **"and I will wait on thy name;"** This clause expresses David's profound posture of patient, yet active, confident reliance. To "wait on thy name" signifies a deep, abiding trust in God's revealed character, His attributes, and His covenant promises. It implies a willing surrender to God's sovereign timing and His methods, knowing that His very essence guarantees His just, good, and perfectly timed actions. It is an act of unwavering faith that anchors David's soul in God's unchanging nature, even when faced with the apparent prosperity of the wicked or prolonged suffering.
* **"for [it is] good before thy saints."** The "it" here refers to God's name, His character, and His righteous actions. David affirms that God's very being and His deeds are inherently "good," beneficial, and morally perfect. This goodness is not concealed but is openly manifested and affirmed "before thy saints"—the community of the pious, the godly, and those who are the recipients of God's steadfast love (_hesed_). God's justice, vindication, and faithfulness are public spectacles, serving not only to deliver the righteous but also to encourage, affirm, and reinforce the faith of His people, demonstrating His unwavering loyalty within the believing community for all to see and celebrate.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 52:9 masterfully employs several potent literary devices. The most striking is **Anticipation**, where David speaks of God's future, decisive action ("thou hast done [it]") with the absolute certainty of a past accomplishment. This use of the prophetic perfect tense powerfully conveys his unshakeable faith in divine justice and the inevitability of God's intervention. This certainty, in turn, creates a strong sense of **Vindication**, as David is confident that God will not only act on his behalf but also uphold His own righteous name. There is a clear **Contrast** established with the preceding verses of the psalm, which vividly describe the destructive words and deeds of the wicked; here, David's words are those of praise, trust, and hopeful expectation, building a counter-narrative of faith and divine faithfulness. Finally, the phrase "good before thy saints" functions as a powerful **Affirmation**, emphasizing that God's righteousness and the beneficence of His actions are not private matters but are publicly displayed and acknowledged by the faithful community, thereby reinforcing their collective trust, inspiring their worship, and strengthening their resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 52:9 articulates a profound theological truth regarding the believer's appropriate and enduring response to divine justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. It underscores that God is not a passive observer of human affairs but an active, sovereign, and righteous judge who intervenes decisively on behalf of His covenant people. David's commitment to "praise for ever" and "wait on thy name" reveals a mature, resilient faith that finds its unshakeable anchor in God's unchanging character, rather than being swayed by fluctuating circumstances or the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This verse serves as a potent reminder that God's actions, even when perceived as delayed from a human perspective, are always perfectly timed, perfectly just, and ultimately redound to His glory and the profound good of His saints, providing an undeniable public testimony to His unwavering faithfulness and moral perfection.

* [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalms 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Renew Their Strength")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to the Confession of Our Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 52:9 offers profound encouragement and a timeless blueprint for cultivating steadfast faith, particularly when confronted with the sting of injustice, betrayal, or the apparent triumph of wickedness. It challenges believers to embrace an enduring posture of praise, not as a superficial emotional response, but as a deep-seated, theological conviction rooted in God's unwavering character, independent of immediate circumstances. When the wicked seem to prosper or when we endure personal attacks, this verse calls us to trust implicitly that God "has done it" or will surely do it – that He will act righteously, decisively, and in perfect timing. Our role is to actively "wait on His name," which means to patiently, confidently, and persistently rely on His revealed nature, finding profound peace in His sovereignty and inherent goodness, knowing that His timing is always perfect. Furthermore, the verse reminds us that our steadfastness in faith, our patient endurance, and the ultimate vindication we experience are intended to be a public testimony. Our lives, marked by trust and praise amidst adversity, become living demonstrations of God's faithfulness, serving to encourage fellow believers and affirm His righteousness within the community of saints.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to "praise thee for ever" challenge my own practice of worship and gratitude, especially during times of personal difficulty or injustice?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "wait on thy name" in my current circumstances, and how can I deepen my active reliance on God's revealed character and promises?**
* **In what tangible ways can my faithful endurance and God's eventual vindication in my life serve as a public witness and encouragement to "thy saints" around me?**
* **How does the certainty of God having "done [it]" (even when the fulfillment is yet future) impact my present anxieties or fears regarding unresolved injustices in my life or the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "because thou hast done [it]" refer to in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "because thou hast done [it]" refers to God's decisive and certain intervention against the wicked and His vindication of the righteous. In the immediate context of [Psalms 52](/psalms/52 "Psalm 52 - The Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous"), it specifically anticipates God's judgment upon Doeg the Edomite and the deliverance of David from his adversaries. While the "it" may not have fully materialized at the moment David penned the psalm, he speaks with absolute faith and certainty, as if God's righteous act is already accomplished. This reflects a common prophetic perfect tense in Hebrew, where a future event is spoken of as if it were past, due to the absolute certainty of its occurrence, underscoring David's profound trust in God's justice and faithfulness.

**Why is it significant that God's goodness is "before thy saints"?**

Answer: The phrase "for [it is] good before thy saints" emphasizes the public, communal, and affirming aspect of God's justice and faithfulness. It signifies that God's character and His righteous actions are not hidden or private but are openly displayed and affirmed by the community of His faithful people. When God acts to judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous, it serves as a powerful, visible testimony to His inherent goodness, reinforcing the faith of believers and strengthening their collective trust in Him. It also demonstrates that God cares deeply for His people and acts on their behalf, providing profound encouragement and solidifying the collective understanding of His covenant loyalty within the assembly of the saints, as seen in passages like [Psalms 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalms 22:22 - I will declare thy name unto my brethren").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 52:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "goodness" of God's name and whose decisive action definitively "did it" for all humanity. David's unwavering praise and patient waiting anticipate the ultimate divine intervention accomplished through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. Jesus, the true "green olive tree" of God's house, rooted eternally in God's steadfast love [compare with Psalms 52:8](/psalms/52-8 "Psalms 52:8 - David as a Green Olive Tree"), perfectly fulfilled the righteous requirements of God's law. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He "did it" – He disarmed the powers of darkness, triumphed over sin and death, and secured eternal redemption for all who believe [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Our eternal praise is now directed to 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"), because He has definitively and eternally secured our salvation. We continue to "wait on His name" by faithfully enduring in hope, knowing that He will return in glory to fully establish His kingdom, execute final judgment, and make all things new [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus"). His ultimate vindication and the goodness of His redemptive work are not hidden but are openly proclaimed "before His saints"—the Church, His redeemed people—who bear witness to His saving power and anticipate His glorious return, living in the light of His accomplished work and His coming triumph [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood").

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

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 54:6

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for [it is] good.

Psalms 73:28

But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psalms 130:5

¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 130:6

My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,