Psalm 35:18 – “I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 35:18 captures David’s heartfelt gratitude and his intention to publicly thank God for His help. In this verse, David promises that once God delivers him from his troubles, he will not keep his gratitude private. Instead, he will share his thanks in “the great assembly,” meaning before a large group of people, likely at a gathering for worship. David’s praise reflects his deep faith, knowing that God deserves public acknowledgment for His faithfulness. He commits to honoring God openly, showing that thanksgiving is not just a private matter but a communal expression of gratitude.
Historical Context
David often found himself surrounded by threats and challenges, from King Saul’s pursuit to conflicts with other enemies. Throughout these hardships, David relied on God for protection and justice. In ancient Israel, worshiping and praising God in public gatherings was a key part of community life, especially in moments of victory or deliverance. Public praise would remind the community of God’s goodness and encourage collective worship. David’s vow to thank God “in the great assembly” reflects the cultural and spiritual importance of communal worship and thanksgiving in Israel’s faith tradition.
Theological Implications
Psalm 35:18 highlights the importance of acknowledging God’s work in our lives, not just privately but also within the community. It teaches that gratitude to God isn’t meant to be hidden but shared, encouraging others in their faith. When believers praise God openly, it can strengthen the faith of those around them and bear witness to God’s power and love. This verse also reinforces that God is deserving of our praise in all circumstances, especially when He has delivered us from trials.
Literary Analysis
The language in Psalm 35:18 is poetic and intentional, with phrases like “the great assembly” and “among the throngs” emphasizing the public nature of David’s gratitude. This vivid imagery invites readers to envision a large crowd gathered to honor God, capturing the joy and celebration of worship. David’s use of future tense—“I will give you thanks”—expresses his confidence in God’s deliverance, showing that even as he faced struggles, he trusted that God would answer his prayers and that he would soon have reason to praise Him openly.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 22:22 – “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly, I will praise you.”
- Psalm 107:32 – “Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.”
- Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
- Matthew 10:32 – “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 35:18 serves as a reminder to openly thank and praise God for His goodness. It encourages believers to share their testimonies of God’s faithfulness, as this can inspire others and strengthen the faith of those who hear it. This verse also reminds Christians that worship is not only personal but also a communal activity. In a world that often prioritizes privacy, Psalm 35:18 challenges believers to publicly acknowledge God’s work in their lives and to celebrate His faithfulness within their communities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in that He is worthy of our gratitude and praise. David’s desire to thank God openly highlights a relationship where love and honor are expressed freely. God’s love for us moves us to acknowledge Him not only in private but also in front of others. When we give God thanks among others, it is an act of love and respect that honors the ways He has provided and protected us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 35:18 connects to Jesus Christ in His call for believers to be unashamed in their faith. Jesus encouraged His followers to boldly proclaim their faith and trust in God before others. In Matthew 10:32, He says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Jesus’ life was a testimony of praise and thanksgiving to God, showing believers the importance of honoring God in all circumstances. Through Christ, Christians are empowered to praise God openly, trusting in His love and goodness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How comfortable are you with openly sharing your gratitude for God’s work in your life?
- In what ways can you bring praise to God within your community?
- How does public worship and thanksgiving strengthen your relationship with God?
- Why do you think it is important to thank God both privately and publicly?
- How can you encourage others to see God’s work in their own lives through your example of praise?
Psalm 35:18 encourages believers to acknowledge and thank God publicly, emphasizing the importance of sharing our gratitude within the community of faith. It serves as a reminder that our praises can inspire others and bear witness to God’s faithfulness. Through Jesus, who calls us to openly profess our faith, Christians find the strength to honor God in all areas of life. This verse invites believers to celebrate God’s love and deliverance, both privately and in the company of others, as a way of deepening their connection with Him.