Psalms 57:9

KJV

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee, O Lord {H136}, among the people {H5971}: I will sing {H2167}{H8762)} unto thee among the nations {H3816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will thank you, Adonai, among the peoples; I will make music to you among the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples.

American Standard Version

I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the peoples: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 57:9 is a resounding declaration by King David, born from a place of profound distress yet culminating in an unwavering commitment to publicly extol God's glory. This verse marks a pivotal shift within Psalm 57, moving from David's desperate plea for mercy and protection in a cave to a resolute and outward-looking resolve to praise the Lord not only among his own people but prophetically, among all the nations of the earth. It encapsulates a profound trust in God's unfailing love and faithfulness, transforming personal affliction into a universal proclamation of divine majesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 57 is titled "A Michtam of David; when he fled from Saul in the cave," immediately setting a scene of intense personal peril. The psalm begins with a fervent cry for mercy and refuge, with David seeking shelter "under the shadow of thy wings" ([Psalms 57:1](/psalms/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - Be merciful to me, O God")). Despite the surrounding dangers and the "lion-like" enemies mentioned in [Psalms 57:4](/psalms/57-4 "Psalm 57:4 - My soul is among lions"), a dramatic shift occurs from lament to confident praise. This transition is evident in [Psalms 57:7-8](/psalms/57-7 "Psalm 57:7-8 - My heart is fixed, I will sing and give praise"), where David's heart is "fixed" and he resolves to "awake early." Our verse, [Psalms 57:9](/psalms/57-9 "Psalm 57:9 - I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people"), serves as the outward expression of this internal resolve, preparing the way for the concluding declaration of God's exaltation "above the heavens" and "above all the earth" in [Psalms 57:10-11](/psalms/57-10 "Psalm 57:10-11 - For thy mercy is great unto the heavens").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription explicitly links this psalm to David's flight from King Saul, specifically when he was hiding in a cave. This event is detailed in [1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - David in the cave at Engedi"), where David, despite having the opportunity to kill Saul, chose to spare his life. This historical backdrop underscores the depth of David's distress and the profound nature of his faith. In ancient Israelite culture, public praise and worship were central to communal life, often taking place in the temple or during festivals. However, David's declaration to praise God "among the nations" transcends the immediate cultural confines, hinting at a broader, universal scope for God's glory that was not fully realized in his time but was deeply rooted in God's covenant promises to Abraham to bless "all the families of the earth" through his descendants ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Praise Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating how genuine faith can transform a situation of fear and confinement into an occasion for worship. David's commitment to praise is not conditional on his circumstances but rooted in God's unchanging character. Secondly, it emphasizes **Public and Universal Praise**, moving beyond private devotion to a bold, outward declaration. The distinction between "the people" (referring to Israel) and "the nations" (the Gentiles) is crucial, anticipating the global reach of God's redemptive plan. This prophetic vision foreshadows the New Testament's call to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Glory**, as David's praise is ultimately founded on the recognition of God's supreme authority, His "mercy...great unto the heavens, and [His] truth unto the clouds" ([Psalms 57:10](/psalms/57-10 "Psalm 57:10 - God's great mercy and truth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yādâ'_):** This verb means "to throw, cast, confess, give thanks, praise." It often implies an open, public acknowledgment or declaration, frequently accompanied by the raising or extending of hands. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, outward expression of gratitude and adoration, a "throwing forth" of God's excellencies.
* **Sing (Hebrew, _zāmar'_):** This verb means "to pluck, make music, sing praise." It denotes worship expressed through melody and song, often with instrumental accompaniment. Its inclusion alongside "praise" emphasizes the joyful and artistic dimension of David's intended worship, a full-bodied expression of devotion.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôyim'_):** While "people" (עַמִּים, _‘ammîm_) typically refers to specific ethnic groups or, in this context, Israel, _gôyim_ specifically denotes non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. The use of this word here is highly significant, indicating David's vision extending beyond the covenant community of Israel to encompass the entire world, a prophetic glimpse into the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people":** This clause reveals David's personal resolve ("I will") to offer praise to YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. The immediate audience for this praise is "the people," referring to his own nation, the Israelites. This signifies David's commitment to lead his community in worship and to publicly acknowledge God's faithfulness and deliverance within the assembly of believers.
* **"I will sing unto thee among the nations":** This second clause expands the scope of David's praise dramatically. The repetition of "I will" reinforces his firm determination. By declaring his intent to "sing" (a joyful, musical expression of praise) "among the nations" (_gôyim_), David expresses a prophetic vision that God's glory and redemptive acts are not confined to Israel but are destined to be proclaimed and celebrated universally, among all peoples of the earth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 57:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line echoes and expands upon the first. "I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people" is paralleled by "I will sing unto thee among the nations." This structure not only reinforces the core message of praise but also broadens its scope, moving from the specific (Israel) to the universal (the nations). The verse also demonstrates a profound **Shift in Tone** or **Movement** within the psalm itself. Coming from a context of deep lament and fear, David's resolute declaration of praise signals a triumphant shift from despair to unwavering faith. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophetic Vision** or **Hyperbole** in David's declaration to praise among the nations, given his immediate circumstance of hiding in a cave. This seemingly audacious claim, however, points to a divinely inspired foresight of God's ultimate plan to draw all peoples to Himself, transcending David's personal situation to encompass God's global redemptive purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 57:9 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's glory and His redemptive plan. It reveals a God whose character—His mercy and truth—is so vast that it transcends all earthly boundaries, reaching "unto the heavens" and "unto the clouds" ([Psalms 57:10](/psalms/57-10 "Psalm 57:10 - God's great mercy and truth")). David's commitment to universal praise, even from a place of personal confinement, underscores the truth that God's renown is not meant to be contained within one nation but is to be declared to all of humanity. This verse is a powerful testament to the missional heart of God, foreshadowing the global scope of salvation that would ultimately be revealed in Christ. It reminds us that worship is not merely an inward spiritual exercise but an outward declaration, intended to draw all peoples into a relationship with their Creator.

* [Psalms 67:4](/psalms/67-4 "Psalm 67:4 - Let the nations be glad and sing for joy")
* [Psalms 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His glory among the nations")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A light for the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's resolute declaration in Psalms 57:9, made from the depths of a cave while fleeing for his life, provides a powerful model for believers today. It challenges us to consider the posture of our hearts not only in times of ease but especially amidst adversity. True faith expresses itself in worship and witness even when circumstances are dire. We are called, like David, to move beyond private devotion to a public proclamation of God's goodness, both within our immediate communities ("among the people") and to the broader world ("among the nations"). This means actively sharing our faith, living lives that reflect God's glory, and participating in the global mission of the church, whether through direct involvement or faithful support. Our "cave" moments—our struggles, uncertainties, and fears—can become the very platforms from which God's praise resounds most powerfully, demonstrating His faithfulness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cave" moments in your life have challenged your ability to praise God publicly?**
* **How can you intentionally shift from personal lament to public praise, even when circumstances are difficult?**
* **In what practical ways can you declare God's glory "among the people" (your local community, church, family) and "among the nations" (through global awareness, prayer, or giving)?**
* **How does understanding God's vast mercy and truth (as in Psalms 57:10) empower your commitment to praise Him universally?**

### FAQ
**How can David's resolve to praise "among the nations" be understood given his historical context of being confined to a cave?**

Answer: David's declaration should be understood as a prophetic vision rather than an immediate, literal action. While physically confined, his spirit soared beyond his present circumstances, envisioning a future where God's glory would be universally recognized. This reflects the Spirit of God inspiring David to articulate a truth that transcended his time—that God's redemptive plan was always intended for all humanity, not just Israel. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to bless all nations, a theme that finds its ultimate realization in the New Testament through the global spread of the Gospel.

**What is the significance of praising God "among the people" vs. "among the nations" in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction highlights the expanding scope of God's glory and David's prophetic understanding of it. "Among the people" (עַמִּים, _‘ammîm_) refers to David's immediate community, the covenant people of Israel. This signifies his commitment to lead his own nation in worship and to bear witness to God's faithfulness within his own cultural and religious context. "Among the nations" (גּוֹיִם, _gôyim_), however, refers to the non-Israelite peoples, the Gentiles. This demonstrates a profound and forward-looking vision that God's praise is not to be confined to Israel but is destined to extend globally. It underscores the universal nature of God's redemptive plan, a theme that becomes central to the New Testament's [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") to make disciples of all ethnic groups.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 57:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, though a king and prophet, could only declare his *intent* to praise God among the nations; it was Jesus who perfectly embodied and enacted this universal praise. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus revealed God's glory, mercy, and truth to the entire world, making a way for people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" to worship God ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from every tribe and nation")). His obedient sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate act of praise and submission to the Father, became the means by which God's name is now exalted "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Christ's supreme authority")). Furthermore, Jesus's [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") to His disciples—to "go and make disciples of all nations"—is the direct means by which David's prophetic declaration is continually realized. The church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carries on this mission, bearing witness to Christ "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the ends of the earth")), ensuring that countless voices from every corner of the globe join in the chorus of praise, fulfilling David's ancient, Spirit-inspired resolve. Indeed, the vision of a multitude from "every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A great multitude from every nation")) is the glorious culmination of Psalms 57:9.

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 22:22

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Psalms 22:23

Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

Psalms 96:3

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

Psalms 18:49

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Psalms 138:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 145:10

¶ All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.