Psalms 7:17

KJV

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will praise {H3034} the LORD {H3068} according to his righteousness {H6664}: and will sing praise {H2167} to the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} most high {H5945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I thank ADONAI for his righteousness and sing praise to the name of ADONAI 'Elyon.

Berean Standard Bible

I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

American Standard Version

I will give thanks unto Jehovah according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Jehovah Most High.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 7:17 serves as a triumphant and resolute declaration of praise, concluding a deeply personal psalm of David. Following an earnest appeal for divine justice and vindication against false accusations, this verse encapsulates the psalmist's unwavering trust in the LORD's perfect righteousness and supreme sovereignty, culminating in a solemn vow to worship the God who judges righteously and delivers faithfully.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7, designated as a *Maskil* (an instructional psalm), is situated within the first book of the Psalter, a collection often characterized by individual laments and petitions. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for deliverance from persecutors, specifically naming "Cush the Benjamite," whose precise identity remains a subject of scholarly debate but who clearly represents an unjust adversary. The narrative progresses through a series of appeals to God as the ultimate righteous judge, a self-imprecation where David invites divine judgment upon himself if he is guilty, and a vivid depiction of the wicked's inevitable self-destruction. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist's confidence in divine justice steadily grows, transforming from an initial cry for help and lament into an assured declaration of God's perfect judgment. Verse 17 functions as the climactic response to God's anticipated righteous intervention, transitioning the psalm's emotional arc from distress and petition to a resolute vow of praise, mirroring the common trajectory found in many psalms that begin in affliction and culminate in doxology, as powerfully exemplified in [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - From Lament to Trust and Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical event involving "Cush the Benjamite" is not detailed in other biblical texts, Psalm 7 reflects a pervasive experience in ancient Israel: an individual facing false accusations, slander, or persecution and seeking justice through direct divine intervention. In a societal context where human legal systems could often be corrupt, biased, or ineffective, appealing directly to God, who was understood as the ultimate and incorruptible Judge, was a fundamental and deeply ingrained practice. The concept of *tsedaqah* (righteousness) was far more than an abstract moral quality; it encompassed God's active fidelity to His covenant promises, His just administration of the world, and His saving acts on behalf of His people. The public declaration of praise, frequently accompanied by musical instruments and singing, was an indispensable component of both individual and communal worship. It served as a powerful testimony to God's character, a communal affirmation of faith, and a profound means of expressing gratitude and unwavering trust, a practice abundantly demonstrated by David's numerous psalms of thanksgiving and praise, such as [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 7:17 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Righteousness and Justice**, portraying God as the supreme arbiter who "judges the peoples with equity" ([Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")). David's praise is explicitly "according to His righteousness," signifying that true worship is not merely an emotional response but is deeply grounded in God's unchanging, perfect character and His just actions in the world. Secondly, the verse highlights God's **Supreme Sovereignty and Transcendence**, emphasized by the divine title "LORD most high" (*'Elyon*). This appellation signifies God's unrivaled authority, ultimate power, and His elevation above all earthly powers, circumstances, and false deities, providing profound assurance that He is fully capable of executing justice and delivering His people. This truth is powerfully echoed in [Psalm 97:9](/psalms/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - The LORD is Most High over all the earth"). Finally, it demonstrates the theme of **Vows of Praise and Trust in Adversity**. Despite the initial distress and the ongoing threat of injustice, the psalmist's commitment to praise is a deliberate, volitional act of faith, anticipating God's vindication and affirming His inherent worthiness of worship regardless of immediate circumstances, a profound posture of faith seen even in the dire circumstances described in [Habakkuk 3:17-19](/habakkuk/3-17-19 "Habakkuk 3:17-19 - Rejoicing in God Amidst Hardship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** A primitive root, literally meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand." It is used physically to throw, but especially to revere or worship (with extended hands). Intensively, it can mean to bemoan (by wringing the hands). In this context, it signifies an open, public acknowledgment of God's character and deeds, often with extended hands in a posture of adoration. It implies a deliberate, reasoned response to God's righteous nature and anticipated just actions, a commitment to declare God's goodness and power.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From the root meaning "to be just or righteous," this word refers to the right (natural, moral, or legal), equity, or figuratively, prosperity. In Psalm 7:17, *tsedeq* refers to God's active justice, His fidelity to His covenant promises, and His saving acts on behalf of His people. David's praise is "according to" God's righteousness, meaning that the nature, extent, and very basis of his worship are determined by God's perfect and just character and His interventions in the world. It is a praise that aligns with God's inherent integrity and His demonstrated faithfulness.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to go up," this word signifies an elevation, or (as an adjective) lofty (comparative). As a title, it denotes the Supreme. This ancient divine title emphasizes God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and absolute sovereignty over all creation. It denotes His unrivaled authority and power, placing Him above all earthly rulers, gods, or circumstances. Its use here reinforces the psalmist's confidence that the God to whom he appeals is indeed capable of executing ultimate justice and is worthy of ultimate adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness:"** This initial clause declares the psalmist's firm and deliberate intention to worship God. The verb "praise" (Hebrew: *yâdâh*) is a strong volitional statement, indicating an unwavering commitment. Crucially, this praise is not arbitrary or based on fleeting emotion, but is explicitly "according to His righteousness." This means David's worship is profoundly grounded in God's inherent moral perfection, His just character, and His consistent actions of justice and faithfulness. It is a praise that acknowledges God's integrity as the foundational standard for all His dealings with humanity, particularly in the context of vindication and judgment that the psalm has been seeking.
* **"and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high."** This second clause reiterates and amplifies the commitment to worship expressed in the first. "Sing praise" (Hebrew: *zâmar*) specifies the manner of worship, often involving musical accompaniment and public declaration, indicating a joyful and audible expression. The object of this praise is "the name of the LORD most high." "The name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) represents God's revealed character, His attributes, and His very being, encompassing His honor, authority, and renown. The title "Most High" (Hebrew: *ʻelyôwn*) elevates God to the supreme position, emphasizing His transcendence, ultimate authority, and unrivaled power over all things. Together, these clauses form a powerful, dual affirmation of worship, rooted in God's just character and His supreme sovereignty, providing a fitting and triumphant conclusion to a psalm that sought His righteous intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 7:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with emphasis and clarity. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line ("and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high") largely reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first line ("I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness") using different, yet complementary, words. This repetition serves to intensify the psalmist's vow and emphasize the dual aspects of God's character being praised: His righteousness and His supreme authority. The verse also features a **Vow of Praise**, a common and significant feature in the Psalms where the psalmist commits to an act of worship in anticipation of or in response to God's deliverance. This vow underscores David's faith and his resolute decision to acknowledge God publicly regardless of circumstances. Furthermore, the phrase "according to his righteousness" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "righteousness" stands in for God's righteous acts and character, serving as the standard, measure, and very basis for the praise offered. The use of "the name of the LORD" is a classic **Synecdoche**, where "name" represents the entirety of God's revealed being, character, and authority, encompassing all that He is.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 7:17 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of authentic worship, asserting that true praise is not merely an emotional outpouring but a reasoned, deliberate response grounded in God's immutable character. It highlights that God's righteousness is the very foundation and measure of our adoration; we praise Him precisely because He *is* just and *acts* justly in the world. This verse inextricably links the act of worship directly to the doctrine of divine justice and sovereignty, affirming that even in the face of injustice, suffering, and false accusation, God remains the ultimate arbiter, supremely worthy of our highest praise. It teaches us that our unwavering confidence in God's ultimate vindication fuels our present worship, transforming lament into doxology and despair into hopeful adoration.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [Psalm 97:2](/psalms/97-2 "Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of His Throne")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 7:17 offers a powerful blueprint for our own lives of faith, particularly when we navigate trials, misunderstandings, or the sting of injustice. It calls us to anchor our praise not in our fleeting circumstances or volatile emotions, but in the unchanging, perfect character of God. When false accusations arise, or when the world seems to operate unjustly, this verse reminds us that our God is "Most High," sovereign over all, and His righteousness is the unwavering standard by which all things will ultimately be judged. Our response, therefore, should be a deliberate, confident vow of praise, trusting that God sees, God knows, and God will act justly in His perfect timing. This posture of worship, even in the midst of waiting and suffering, transforms our perspective, aligning our hearts with God's eternal truth and empowering us to live with hope, integrity, and peace. It is a profound call to worship God for *who He is*—His inherent justice and supreme authority—knowing that His righteous character guarantees His faithful action on behalf of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's righteousness as the basis of your praise change your approach to worship, especially during difficult times or when facing injustice?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's "Most High" sovereignty and righteous judgment more fully, releasing your need for immediate resolution?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that vows to praise the LORD consistently, even when facing adversity or when justice seems delayed?**

### FAQ

**Why is God's "righteousness" so central to David's praise in this verse?**

Answer: God's righteousness is central because it is the very foundation of His character and actions, especially in the context of a psalm seeking vindication. In the biblical sense, God's righteousness (*tsedeq*) is not merely abstract moral perfection but His active fidelity to His covenant, His just administration of the world, and His saving acts on behalf of His people. David's praise is "according to" this righteousness, meaning it is a response to God's inherent integrity and His demonstrated justice. It implies that God's just nature guarantees His ultimate vindication of the innocent and judgment of the wicked, making Him supremely worthy of praise, particularly in a psalm where David seeks justice against false accusations. This concept is foundational to understanding God's interactions with humanity, as highlighted in [Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of His Throne").

**What does "the LORD most high" signify about God?**

Answer: The title "the LORD most high" (Hebrew: *ʻelyôwn*) is a profound declaration of God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and absolute sovereignty. It signifies that God is above all other powers, authorities, and circumstances in the universe. This title assures the psalmist, and us, that God possesses unrivaled power and authority to execute justice, to deliver His people, and to fulfill His purposes. It speaks to His unique, incomparable status as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the ultimate ruler of heaven and earth. This ancient title, used across various biblical traditions, emphasizes God's majesty and His ability to intervene decisively in human affairs, a truth affirmed throughout scripture, such as in [Isaiah 14:14](/isaiah/14-14 "Isaiah 14:14 - The Fall of Lucifer's Pride").

**How can I genuinely praise God "according to His righteousness" when I feel that justice has not been served in my life?**

Answer: Praising God "according to His righteousness" when justice seems absent requires a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances to God's eternal character and ultimate plan. It involves trusting that God's justice is perfect, even if His timing or methods differ from our expectations. This praise is an act of submission to His sovereign will and a confident anticipation of His ultimate vindication. It acknowledges that God's righteousness is not just about retribution but also about His faithfulness to His promises and His redemptive purposes. By focusing on His unchanging character, rather than our fluctuating feelings or the world's brokenness, we can offer genuine praise, knowing that He "loves righteousness and justice" ([Psalm 33:5](/psalms/33-5 "Psalm 33:5 - The LORD loves righteousness and justice")). This posture of faith allows us to endure injustice with hope, knowing that God will ultimately set all things right and that His ultimate justice will prevail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 7:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's righteousness, the one whose life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection perfectly demonstrate the Father's just and saving character. When David vows to praise the LORD "according to his righteousness," he foreshadows the new song of praise that would be sung by those redeemed through Christ's perfect righteousness. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became sin for us so that in Him we might become the [righteousness of God](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"). His resurrection is the ultimate vindication, demonstrating God's righteous judgment against sin and death, and His unwavering faithfulness to His Son. Furthermore, Jesus is the [LORD Most High](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above All Names"), exalted to the highest place, with a name above every name, to whom every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess. Our praise, therefore, is not only according to God's righteousness but also through and to the righteous One, Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father's character and secured our eternal vindication, enabling us to sing praise to the name of the [LORD Most High forevermore](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Praises the Lamb").

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 9:2

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

Psalms 98:2

The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

Psalms 71:15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].

Psalms 71:16

I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, [even] of thine only.

Psalms 111:3

His work [is] honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Psalms 92:8

But thou, LORD, [art most] high for evermore.

Psalms 35:28

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long.