Psalm 57:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.

NIV: I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

NASB: I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.

CSB: I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.

NLT: I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

KJV: I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

NKJV: I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.

David vows to praise the Lord in the presence of others. This is in response to David's deep faith, trusting that God will rescue him from his current danger (Psalm 57:1–4). He resolves to proclaim God among "peoples" and "nations." This combination of terms suggests David is thinking of the world beyond Israel. The word translated "nations," especially, is often used as a reference to non-Jewish cultures: the Gentiles.

The complete fulfillment of this praise awaits the reign of Christ over all the earth. Quoting from the Old Testament (Psalm 18:49; 2 Samuel 22:50), Romans 15:9 echoes David's vow and observes how Jews and Gentiles were partly united by faith after the resurrection of Christ. The same passage also looks forward to the perfect uniting of saved Jews and Gentiles in the millennial kingdom in songs of praise to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Verse 10 quotes from Isaiah and says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people" (cf. Isaiah 66:10). Verse 11 quotes, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him" (cf. Psalm 117:1). Referring to Isaiah, Romans 15:12 anticipates Jesus' rule over the Gentiles saying, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope" (cf. Isaiah 11:10). At that time, a great multitude of redeemed people will praise the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 19:6–8).

David asks for God's merciful protection, with full confidence that it will be delivered. Despite the vicious attacks of his enemies, David resolves to praise the Lord. This is motivated, in part, by appreciation for God's loyal, merciful, caring love. He declares that the Lord's praise should be heard all over the world.

Along with Psalms 56 and 142, this was composed in response to David's escape from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2; 22:1). This included hiding in cave, where David turned down an opportunity to kill his enemy (1 Samuel 24:1–22). David is entirely sure that God will fulfill His promises (1 Samuel 16:12–13).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.