Psalms 9:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I will be glad {H8055} and rejoice {H5970} in thee: I will sing praise {H2167} to thy name {H8034}, O thou most High {H5945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will be glad and exult in you. I will sing praise to your name, 'Elyon.

Berean Standard Bible

I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

American Standard Version

I will be glad and exult in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:2 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's personal devotion and exultant worship, setting the tone for a psalm that celebrates God's righteous judgment and ultimate deliverance. It encapsulates a deep, volitional joy rooted not in fleeting circumstances, but in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God, expressed through a resolute commitment to vocal praise of His exalted Name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving and a plea for justice, often considered a companion to Psalm 10 due to shared themes and an underlying acrostic structure in the Hebrew text. It opens with an immediate declaration of intent to praise the Lord for His "marvelous works" and "righteous judgments" (Psalm 9:1), with verse 2 serving as the personal, joyful response to this divine activity. The psalm then transitions into a detailed recounting of God's past victories over enemies, a confident appeal for future intervention against the wicked, and a stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the ungodly. The psalmist's joy and praise in verse 2 are thus not abstract, but deeply intertwined with God's active role as a just judge and a mighty deliverer, themes that resonate throughout [Psalm 9](/psalms/9 "Psalm 9 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Justice").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, Psalm 9 likely arises from a period of conflict or national deliverance, reflecting the historical reality of Israel's struggles against hostile nations. The psalmist's experience of God's intervention against his enemies provides the backdrop for his outburst of praise. The title "Most High" (Hebrew: *'Elyon*) is an ancient divine epithet, used even by non-Israelites (e.g., Melchizedek in [Genesis 14:18](/genesis/14-18 "Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek, Priest of God Most High")), but here it is unequivocally applied to Yahweh, the God of Israel, emphasizing His unique supremacy and transcendence over all other deities or earthly powers. Worship in ancient Israel, as expressed here, often involved singing, accompanied by musical instruments, as a corporate or individual expression of devotion and a recounting of God's mighty deeds.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unconditional Joy in God**, demonstrating that true delight is found not in worldly success or the absence of trouble, but profoundly *in God Himself* and His unchanging character. Secondly, it underscores **Active and Intentional Worship**, as the psalmist's declaration "I will sing praise" is a volitional act, emphasizing that worship is a deliberate response to God's greatness, not merely a passive emotion. This active praise magnifies God's character and acknowledges His works. Finally, the title "O thou most High" introduces the theme of **God's Supreme Sovereignty**, affirming His absolute authority and transcendence above all earthly powers, positioning Him as the ultimate source of justice and the worthy recipient of all adoration, a theme echoed in [Psalm 97:9](/psalms/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - The Lord is Most High Over All the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glad (Hebrew, _śāmaḥ'_):** This verb denotes a deep, inner joy or delight that often manifests in outward expressions of cheerfulness, celebration, or even dancing. It signifies a state of profound contentment and happiness that originates from a positive relationship or experience, here specifically *in God*.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _gîl'_):** This word conveys an exultant, overflowing joy, often associated with a spinning or leaping motion, indicating a jubilant and unrestrained delight. It suggests a more demonstrative and effusive expression of gladness, emphasizing the intensity and exuberance of the psalmist's emotional response to God.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _'Elyôn'_):** This is a significant divine title, emphasizing God's absolute supremacy, transcendence, and exalted position. It portrays God as being above all other gods, powers, or authorities, signifying His unique sovereignty and ultimate authority over all creation. Its use here underscores the infinite worthiness of the One being praised.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will be glad and rejoice in thee":** This opening clause expresses a resolute, personal commitment to finding joy. The crucial preposition "in thee" indicates that the source and object of the psalmist's gladness and rejoicing is God Himself, not external circumstances or personal achievements. It is a deliberate choice to anchor one's emotional state in the divine character and presence.
* **"I will sing praise to thy name":** This clause specifies the active, vocal expression of the psalmist's joy. "Sing praise" denotes an intentional act of worship through song. "Thy name" is a metonymy for God's revealed character, His attributes, His very being, and His reputation. To praise His name is to acknowledge and extol all that God is and all that He has done, particularly His mighty acts of deliverance and justice.
* **"O thou most High":** This is a direct address, an apostrophe, to God, using the majestic title *'Elyôn*. This invocation reinforces the psalmist's understanding of God's supreme authority and exalted position. It serves as an affirmation of God's unique sovereignty and transcendence, providing the ultimate justification for the profound gladness and praise offered.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 9:2 is rich in literary artistry. The most prominent device is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the first two clauses, "I will be glad and rejoice in thee" and "I will sing praise to thy name," express similar ideas of joy and worship using different but reinforcing language. The verbs "be glad" and "rejoice" are strong synonyms, intensifying the emotion, while "sing praise" is the active manifestation of that inner state. The phrase "in thee" and "to thy name" both point to God as the object of this devotion. The use of the first-person singular "I will" throughout signifies a **Vow of Praise** or a **Declaration of Intent**, emphasizing the psalmist's personal and volitional commitment to worship. Finally, the direct address "O thou most High" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent or inanimate entity, in this case, God, enhancing the intimacy and reverence of the communication. This title itself is a **Divine Epithet**, a descriptive term or title used to refer to God, highlighting His supreme attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays foundational theological truths about the nature of joy and worship. It teaches that authentic, enduring joy is not circumstantial but is rooted in the person of God Himself. By declaring "I will be glad and rejoice in thee," the psalmist models a faith that finds its ultimate satisfaction and delight in God's character, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness, rather than in the fleeting pleasures or successes of the world. This joy then naturally overflows into active, vocal praise, acknowledging God's supreme authority as "Most High." The act of singing praise to God's "name" signifies a recognition of His revealed attributes and mighty deeds, thereby reinforcing His glory and our dependence upon Him. This holistic response of heart and voice is a paradigm for all true worship, inviting believers to cultivate a similar spirit of gratitude and adoration.

* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - I Will Bless the Lord at All Times")
* [Psalm 145:1-3](/psalms/145-1 "Psalm 145:1-3 - A Psalm of Praise to God's Greatness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 9:2 serves as a timeless invitation to anchor our deepest joy and express our most fervent praise in God alone. In a world that often seeks happiness in external circumstances, achievements, or material possessions, the psalmist redirects our gaze to the unchanging, sovereign God as the ultimate source of true gladness. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deliberate, volitional posture of joy and worship, even amidst trials or uncertainties. Our praise is not merely a reaction to good times, but a chosen act of faith that acknowledges God's supreme worthiness and His active presence in our lives. By actively singing praise to His "name," we not only express our devotion but also reinforce our own faith, reminding ourselves and others of His power, goodness, and faithfulness. This practice transforms our perspective, shifting our focus from our problems to His preeminence, thereby strengthening our souls and bearing witness to His greatness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "Most High" deepen your personal worship and sense of security?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a joy that is rooted "in God" rather than in your circumstances?**
* **What does it mean for you to "sing praise to thy name," and how can you more intentionally express this active worship in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Most High" a significant title for God in this verse?**

Answer: The title "Most High" (Hebrew: *'Elyôn*) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes God's absolute supremacy, transcendence, and unique authority. It distinguishes Him as being above all other gods, powers, or earthly rulers, signifying His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. When the psalmist praises God as "Most High," it is an acknowledgment that His joy and worship are directed towards the one true God, who holds ultimate power and reigns eternally, making Him uniquely worthy of such exalted praise. This title underscores the infinite gap between the Creator and creation, reinforcing His unparalleled majesty.

**Is the psalmist's joy in this verse dependent on his immediate circumstances?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's joy in Psalms 9:2 is explicitly stated as being "in thee" (God), indicating that its source is God's unchanging character and presence, rather than fluctuating external circumstances. While the broader psalm does recount God's deliverance from enemies, the declaration of joy in verse 2 is a foundational statement of faith and devotion that transcends immediate situations. It is a chosen response of the heart, rooted in God's inherent goodness and sovereignty, making it a stable and enduring joy even amidst challenges. This volitional joy serves as a powerful example for believers to cultivate a faith that finds delight in God regardless of their present trials.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's declaration of joy and praise to the "Most High" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist praised God for His justice and deliverance in the Old Testament context, the New Testament reveals that God's supreme act of justice and deliverance is accomplished through His Son. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a king, but the very embodiment of the "Most High" God, as affirmed by the angel Gabriel to Mary: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" ([Luke 1:32](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - Son of the Most High")). In Christ, the transcendent God became immanent, allowing humanity to truly know and experience the divine character to which the psalmist alluded. Our gladness and rejoicing are now anchored in the person and work of Jesus, who through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, has secured our salvation and demonstrated God's ultimate power over sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, our "singing praise to thy name" becomes an act of worship directed to the Father through the Son, acknowledging Christ's supreme Lordship and the new covenant joy found in Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")), making our praise to Him the most complete and joyous response to the revelation of the Most High God.

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 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

Psalms 5:11

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalms 7:17

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

Psalms 97:9

For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

Psalms 28:7

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 97:12

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: