Psalms 9:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329} upon Muthlabben {H4192}{H1121}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. I will praise {H3034} thee, O LORD {H3068}, with my whole heart {H3820}; I will shew forth {H5608} all thy marvellous works {H6381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. On the death of Labben. A psalm of David: I give thanks to ADONAI with all my heart. I will tell about all your wonderful deeds.

Berean Standard Bible

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.

American Standard Version

I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:1 serves as the superscription and opening declaration of a psalm of David, setting a tone of profound, unreserved praise and thanksgiving. It introduces the psalm as a composition for the "chief Musician upon Muthlabben," indicating a specific musical or liturgical context, and immediately plunges into David's personal vow to worship the LORD with his entire being, proclaiming all of God's wondrous deeds. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's commitment to both internal devotion and public testimony of God's magnificent acts of deliverance and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 9 and 10 are often considered a single, unified psalm due to their acrostic structure (though imperfect in the Masoretic Text) and shared themes of God's righteous judgment against the wicked and His vindication of the oppressed. Psalms 9:1, as the superscription, immediately establishes the psalm's authorship by David and its intended musical performance. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 9:3-6](/psalms/9-3 "Psalms 9:3-6 - God's Judgment of Nations")) quickly move into a description of God's defeat of enemies and His eternal reign, providing the backdrop for the "marvellous works" David vows to proclaim. The psalm transitions from personal praise to a broader declaration of God's universal justice, culminating in a plea for divine intervention against the proud and wicked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription "A Psalm of David" places this composition within the historical context of Israel's monarchy, likely during a period of significant triumph or deliverance experienced by King David. The phrase "To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben" is a technical musical instruction, though its precise meaning remains debated. "Muthlabben" (מֻתְלַבֵּן) is often interpreted as "upon the death of the son" or "concerning the death of the champion," possibly alluding to a specific historical event such as David's victory over Goliath (whose death brought freedom to Israel), or perhaps a more general theme of victory over an enemy. Regardless of the exact event, it points to a context of public worship where the psalm would have been sung, likely accompanied by instruments, to commemorate God's mighty acts. This practice of composing and performing psalms for specific occasions was central to Israelite corporate worship and personal devotion.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. The commitment to "wholehearted" praise (Hebrew: *b'khol-levavi*) underscores the biblical call for total devotion to God, echoing the command in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God with All Your Heart"). This is not merely an outward ritual but an internal, sincere, and undivided love for the LORD. Furthermore, David's vow to "shew forth all thy marvellous works" highlights the theme of public testimony and the proclamation of God's mighty deeds. These "marvellous works" (Hebrew: *nifla'ot*) encompass God's acts of creation, His miraculous interventions in history, and His righteous judgments, all of which elicit awe and inspire worship. This theme of remembering and declaring God's works is crucial for maintaining faith and instructing future generations, as seen in passages like [Psalms 105:1-2](/psalms/105-1 "Psalms 105:1-2 - Give Thanks to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (לֵבָב, _levav'_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the totality of one's inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. To praise with the "whole heart" signifies a complete, undivided, and sincere devotion that engages every faculty of one's person. It implies an authentic, unreserved commitment to God, contrasting with superficial or hypocritical worship.
* **Marvellous Works (נִפְלָאוֹת, _nifla'ot'_):** This plural noun refers to wonders, extraordinary deeds, or miracles that are astonishing and awe-inspiring. It denotes acts that are beyond human capability, demonstrating divine power and intervention. In the context of the Psalms, these "marvellous works" often refer to God's acts of creation, His deliverance of Israel from enemies, and His righteous judgments that reveal His sovereignty and faithfulness. David's commitment is to make these awe-inspiring acts known.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David."**: This is the superscription, providing crucial information about the psalm. "To the chief Musician" indicates it was intended for public liturgical performance, likely under the direction of a choirmaster. "Upon Muthlabben" is a musical or thematic instruction, though its exact meaning is debated (possibly "upon the death of the son/champion" or a specific tune). "A Psalm of David" attributes the authorship to King David, grounding the psalm in his personal experience and spiritual insight.
* **"I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart;"**: This is David's personal vow and declaration of intent. "I will praise thee, O LORD" (Yahweh) signifies a commitment to worship the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "with my whole heart" emphasizes the sincerity, completeness, and undivided nature of this praise. It's not a partial or superficial act but an outpouring from the deepest core of his being, reflecting a profound personal relationship and devotion.
* **"I will shew forth all thy marvellous works."**: This clause articulates the active, public dimension of David's praise. "I will shew forth" (or declare, recount) indicates a commitment to make known God's deeds. "All thy marvellous works" refers to the totality of God's extraordinary, awe-inspiring acts—His miracles, deliverances, and judgments—which demonstrate His power, justice, and faithfulness. This is a vow to testify publicly to God's greatness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 9:1 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The verse begins with a **Superscription**, a common feature in the Psalms, which provides context regarding authorship, musical instruction, and occasion. This sets the stage for the psalm's content. David's declaration, "I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works," functions as a **Vow of Praise**. This is a deliberate, intentional commitment to worship, not merely a spontaneous outburst. The two clauses of David's vow exhibit **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Shewing forth all thy marvellous works" is a natural outcome and public expression of praising God "with my whole heart." The phrase "with my whole heart" can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and intensity of David's devotion, though it is meant to convey sincerity rather than literal impossibility. The use of "all" in "all thy marvellous works" further reinforces the comprehensive nature of his intended proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 9:1 lays a foundational theological principle: true worship is both internal and external, deeply personal yet publicly declared. It underscores the biblical emphasis on wholehearted devotion, where every facet of one's being is engaged in glorifying God. This commitment stems from a recognition of God's active presence and intervention in the world, as evidenced by His "marvellous works." These works are not merely historical events but ongoing demonstrations of God's character—His power, justice, and faithfulness. The psalmist's vow to recount these deeds highlights the importance of testimony and remembrance in the life of faith, ensuring that God's greatness is not forgotten but continually proclaimed, inspiring awe and trust in future generations. This verse calls believers to a worship that is holistic, informed by God's deeds, and expressed through both heartfelt adoration and vocal proclamation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD Your God with All Your Heart")
* [Psalms 105:1-2](/psalms/105-1 "Psalms 105:1-2 - Give Thanks to the LORD")
* [Luke 10:27](/luke/10-27 "Luke 10:27 - The Great Commandment Repeated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 9:1 serves as a profound blueprint for authentic worship in the life of every believer. David's commitment to praise God "with my whole heart" challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own devotion. Is our worship merely a routine, or does it spring from a genuine, undivided love for God that permeates every aspect of our being—our thoughts, emotions, and actions? This verse calls us beyond superficial expressions to a profound, personal relationship where our entire self is offered in adoration. Furthermore, David's vow to "shew forth all thy marvellous works" reminds us that worship is not solely an internal experience but also a public declaration. We are called to be witnesses, to recount God's faithfulness, His mighty acts of deliverance, and His transformative power in our lives and in the world. Sharing our testimonies, speaking of His goodness, and acknowledging His sovereignty in all circumstances not only glorifies Him but also strengthens the faith of others and draws them into a deeper understanding of who God is. This verse invites us to cultivate a life of continuous praise, where our hearts are fully engaged and our voices are ready to proclaim the wonders of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to praise God "with my whole heart" in my daily life?**
* **What "marvellous works" of God have I personally experienced or witnessed that I can "shew forth" to others?**
* **How can I move beyond superficial expressions of worship to cultivate a more genuine and undivided devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Muthlabben" in the superscription?**

Answer: "Muthlabben" (מֻתְלַבֵּן) is a Hebrew musical or liturgical instruction found in the superscription of Psalms 9:1. Its precise meaning is debated among scholars, but common interpretations include "upon the death of the son" or "concerning the death of the champion." Some scholars connect it to a specific historical event in David's life, such as his victory over Goliath, where the "champion" (Goliath) died, or perhaps a more general theme of triumph over an enemy. Others suggest it refers to a particular tune or melody to which the psalm was to be sung. Regardless of the exact meaning, it indicates that Psalms 9 was composed for a specific occasion and intended for public musical performance, likely in a context of thanksgiving or commemoration of God's deliverance, which aligns with the psalm's themes of God's righteous judgment and victory over the wicked, as seen in [Psalms 9:3-6](/psalms/9-3 "Psalms 9:3-6 - God's Judgment of Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 9:1, with its profound declaration of wholehearted praise and the proclamation of God's "marvellous works," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's vow to praise the LORD with his "whole heart" foreshadows the perfect devotion of the Son, who always did the will of the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases God")). Christ embodies the ultimate "whole heart" worship, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, a fragrant offering to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Furthermore, the "marvellous works" David commits to show forth are supremely revealed in the person and work of Jesus. His incarnation, miraculous life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the greatest "marvellous works" of God, demonstrating His power, justice, and redemptive love in a way that transcends all previous acts ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Through Christ, God's righteous judgment against sin was satisfied, and His deliverance for humanity was secured. Believers, united with Christ, are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer "wholehearted" praise and to "shew forth" the ultimate marvellous work—the gospel of Jesus Christ—to a world in need of His salvation ([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.