Psalms 86:9

Authorized King James Version

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גּוֹיִ֤ם׀

H1471

All nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֗יתָ

H6213

whom thou hast made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יָב֤וֹאוּ׀

H935

shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְיִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ

H7812

and worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְפָנֶ֣יךָ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲדֹנָ֑י

H136

thee O Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

וִֽיכַבְּד֣וּ

H3513

and shall glorify

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

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לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃

H8034

thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?