Psalms 7:17
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Throughout Psalms, vows of future praise often conclude laments (Psalm 13:5-6; 35:18; 71:22-24). This pattern reflects ancient Israel's worship practices. Worshipers would bring thank offerings to the temple after deliverance, publicly testifying to God's faithfulness. David's commitment to praise "according to righteousness" anticipates such public worship.
The title "Most High" (El Elyon) first appears in Genesis 14:18-20 when Melchizedek, king of Salem, blessed Abram by "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth." This ancient divine title emphasized God's sovereignty over all creation and all lesser powers—particularly relevant when facing human enemies who seem powerful but are ultimately subject to the Most High.
Ancient Near Eastern peoples believed in hierarchies of gods, with some deities more powerful than others. Israel's monotheism insisted there is only one God, and He is supreme over all. Calling Yahweh "Most High" wasn't comparing Him to other deities (who don't exist) but asserting His absolute sovereignty over all creation, all nations, and all powers.
For Christians, praising God's righteousness takes on added dimensions. God's righteousness was revealed most fully at the cross, where both His justice (punishing sin) and His mercy (forgiving sinners) met in Christ (Romans 3:25-26). The righteous God satisfied His own justice and extended grace to the unrighteous. This gives Christians even greater reason than David to praise "according to His righteousness."
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate a practice of praising God 'according to His righteousness' even before seeing deliverance from current trials?
- What is the relationship between understanding God's character (His righteousness) and the quality or authenticity of your worship?
- In what ways does publicly declaring God's goodness (like David's vow of praise) strengthen both your faith and others' encouragement?
- How does recognizing God as 'Most High'—sovereign over all powers—change your perspective on intimidating circumstances or enemies?
- What specific attributes of God's righteousness should shape your praise this week, and how will you express that worship?
Analysis & Commentary
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. This triumphant conclusion transforms the psalm from desperate plea to confident worship. Having poured out his complaints and appealed for divine justice, David now commits to praise—not because circumstances have necessarily changed, but because God's character remains constant.
"I will praise" (odeh, אוֹדֶה) means to give thanks, confess, or acknowledge publicly. David's praise is not private sentiment but public declaration of God's goodness. This verb often appears in contexts of fulfilled deliverance (Psalm 18:49; 30:9), suggesting David writes with confidence that God will act, even if vindication hasn't yet arrived.
"According to his righteousness" (ke-tzidqo, כְּצִדְקוֹ) provides the basis for praise. David will praise God in proportion to or in accordance with God's righteous character. Since God's righteousness is infinite, so should our praise be boundless. God's righteousness guarantees He will act justly, vindicate the innocent, and punish wickedness—all grounds for worship.
"The name of the LORD most high" combines two divine titles: Yahweh (covenant name) and Elyon (Most High). Elyon emphasizes God's supremacy over all powers, spiritual and earthly. No matter how powerful David's enemies, God reigns supreme. The "name" represents God's full character and reputation—everything He has revealed about Himself. To sing praise to His name is to celebrate all He is and does.