Psalms 9:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 9:2 is a vibrant expression of personal devotion and worship, setting the tone for a psalm that celebrates God's justice and deliverance. It encapsulates the psalmist's profound joy and unwavering commitment to praise the Almighty.

Context

Psalm 9 is often attributed to King David and is a psalm of thanksgiving and prayer for justice. It begins with a declaration of intent to praise the Lord for His marvelous works and righteous judgments against the wicked (Psalm 9:1). Verse 2 immediately follows this initial declaration, solidifying the psalmist's personal response of joy and worship. The psalmist's gladness is not naive or based on fleeting circumstances, but arises from a deep understanding of God's character as a just judge and a mighty deliverer from enemies.

Key Themes

  • Unconditional Joy in God: The psalmist finds his delight and gladness not in worldly successes or the absence of trouble, but profoundly in God Himself. This teaches believers to cultivate a joy rooted in His unchanging nature and presence, regardless of external circumstances.
  • Active Worship and Praise: The resolute declaration, "I will sing praise to thy name," demonstrates an intentional and vocal act of adoration. Singing is presented as a powerful and personal way to express devotion, magnify God's character, and acknowledge His works.
  • God's Supreme Sovereignty: The title "O thou most High" (Hebrew: 'Elyon) emphasizes God's absolute supremacy, His transcendence above all earthly powers, and His eternal reign. It acknowledges Him as the ultimate authority and the sovereign source of all good, worthy of the highest praise.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Most High" translates the Hebrew word 'Elyon (Χ’ΦΆΧœΦ°Χ™Χ•ΦΉΧŸ), a significant divine title that signifies the supreme, exalted, and sovereign One. This term frequently appears in the Old Testament to denote God's absolute authority over all creation and His unique position as the highest power. For example, Abraham offered tithes to Melchizedek, "the priest of the most high God" in Genesis 14:18.
  • The verbs "be glad" (samach) and "rejoice" (gul) convey a deep, exultant joy, often accompanied by outward expressions of delight and leaping. This isn't a passive emotion but an active, overflowing response.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise, regardless of their immediate situations. Our joy should be anchored in God's unchanging character and His unfailing promises, rather than fluctuating circumstances. It serves as a timeless reminder that rejoicing in the Lord is a command and a source of strength for the soul.

By actively singing praise to His name, we acknowledge His supreme power, goodness, and faithfulness, which in turn strengthens our own faith and bears witness to His greatness in a world that often overlooks His sovereignty.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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

    ΒΆ 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:
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