Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

The LORD {H3068} rewarded {H1580} me according to my righteousness {H6664}; according to the cleanness {H1252} of my hands {H3027} hath he recompensed {H7725} me.

ADONAI rewarded me for my uprightness, he repaid me because my hands were clean.

The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.

Jehovah hath rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Commentary

Psalms 18:20 (KJV): "¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."

This verse is part of a powerful psalm by David, recorded also in 2 Samuel 22, celebrating God's deliverance from his enemies, especially from Saul. It's a song of thanksgiving and triumph, recounting how God intervened mightily on his behalf.

Context

Psalm 18 is a lengthy song of praise and deliverance, attributed to David "in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." Following vivid descriptions of God's majestic power and swift intervention (Ps 18:7-15), David reflects on the reason for this divine rescue. Verses 20-24 form a section where David asserts his integrity and blamelessness *in the context of his relationship with God and in contrast to the actions of his enemies*. He is not claiming sinless perfection, but rather faithfulness and obedience to God's ways, especially in the face of provocation and temptation to retaliate against Saul.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reward and Recompense: The verse emphasizes God's action ("rewarded," "recompensed") as a direct response to David's conduct. This highlights the biblical principle that God is just and acknowledges the actions of His servants.
  • Righteousness and Integrity: David speaks of being rewarded "according to my righteousness" and "according to the cleanness of my hands." This refers to his upright conduct, his adherence to God's commands, and his innocence concerning the specific accusations or attacks from his enemies. It signifies a life lived in conscious obedience to God's covenant.
  • God's Justice and Vindication: The deliverance David experienced is seen as God's vindication of his character and actions against false accusations or unjust persecution. God judged the situation and found David to be in the right relative to his adversaries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "rewarded" is gamal (גָּמַל), which means to deal out, to recompense, to show requital, whether for good or bad. "Recompensed" is a related word, shub (שׁוּב), meaning to turn back, return, or restore, often implying a return of favor or judgment based on actions. "Righteousness" is tsedeq (צֶדֶק), referring to conformity to an ethical or legal standard, justice, or integrity. "Cleanness of my hands" uses the word bor (בֹּר), meaning cleanness, purity, or moral innocence, particularly in the context of actions. The phrase "cleanness of hands" is a common biblical idiom for integrity and blamelessness in one's deeds (see Psalm 24:4).

Reflection and Application

While we understand righteousness primarily through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22) and are not saved by works, this verse speaks to God's faithfulness to those who strive to walk in integrity and obedience *after* coming to Him. David's claim here is not about earning salvation, but about God's just dealing in his earthly life and circumstances. When we face false accusations or unjust treatment, living a life of integrity, purity, and obedience to God is the path He honors. God sees our actions and motives, and while He doesn't promise we will never suffer, He does promise that He is a just God who will ultimately render to everyone according to their deeds, often providing vindication and help in this life as well as the next for those who are His.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 24:4 (10 votes)

    He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

  • Psalms 58:11 (5 votes)

    So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

  • Matthew 6:4 (5 votes)

    That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8 (5 votes)

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  • Proverbs 11:18 (4 votes)

    ¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

  • Job 22:30 (4 votes)

    He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

  • Isaiah 49:4 (3 votes)

    Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.