Psalms 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֤ן׀
H3651
כֵּ֤ן׀
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אוֹדְךָ֖
Therefore will I give thanks
H3034
אוֹדְךָ֖
Therefore will I give thanks
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
3 of 7
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
בַגּוֹיִ֥ם׀
among the heathen
H1471
בַגּוֹיִ֥ם׀
among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
4 of 7
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
יְהוָ֑ה
unto thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
unto thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
David's international fame provided opportunity to testify to Yahweh's power before foreign rulers and peoples, spreading knowledge of Israel's God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your testimony of God's deliverance reach beyond your natural community?
- In what ways do you participate in God's mission to the nations?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore David will praise Yahweh among nations and sing to God's name. The Hebrew 'yadah' (praise) suggests public thanksgiving. Praising among 'goyim' (nations/Gentiles) anticipates the gospel going to all peoples. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 15:9 as evidence that God always intended Gentile inclusion. This reveals that even Old Testament deliverance pointed to universal salvation through Christ.