◄ Psalm 26:7 ►
to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.
Study Bible
proclaiming
The Hebrew root for "proclaiming" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or obey. In the context of Psalm 26:7, it implies a public declaration or announcement. This word suggests an active and intentional sharing of one's faith and experiences with God. Historically, proclaiming God's deeds was a communal activity, often done in the temple or during festivals, emphasizing the importance of community in worship and testimony.

aloud
The word "aloud" emphasizes the vocal and public nature of the proclamation. It is not a silent or private act but one that is meant to be heard by others. This reflects the biblical tradition of oral storytelling and the importance of spoken word in ancient cultures. Speaking aloud also signifies confidence and boldness in one's faith, encouraging believers to be unashamed in their witness.

your praise
The phrase "your praise" refers to the act of glorifying God for His attributes and deeds. The Hebrew word for praise, "תְּהִלָּה" (tehillah), is often associated with songs and hymns. Praise is a central theme in the Psalms, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty and goodness. It is both a personal and communal expression, drawing believers closer to God and to each other.

and telling
"Telling" involves recounting or narrating, which in Hebrew is "סָפַר" (saphar). This word conveys the idea of sharing accounts or testimonies. In the biblical context, telling of God's works was a way to pass down faith and history from generation to generation. It underscores the importance of remembering and sharing God's interventions and blessings in one's life.

of all your wonderful deeds
The phrase "of all your wonderful deeds" highlights the comprehensive nature of God's actions. The Hebrew word for "wonderful" is "נִפְלָאוֹת" (niflaot), which denotes things that are extraordinary or miraculous. This phrase calls believers to recognize and recount not just the grand miracles but also the everyday blessings and acts of God. It serves as a reminder of God's active presence in the world and in the lives of His people, encouraging a heart of gratitude and awe.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 26, David is expressing his desire to worship God with a pure heart.

2. Temple Worship
The context of the psalm suggests a setting of worship, likely in the tabernacle or temple, where public declarations of God's works were made.

3. God's Wonderful Works
Refers to the acts of God in creation, providence, and redemption that are worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is not just a feeling but an action. It involves actively recounting and declaring God's works.

Public Declaration of Faith
Sharing testimonies of God's works is a powerful witness to others and strengthens our own faith.

Gratitude as Worship
True worship involves a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's hand in our lives and His sovereignty over all things.

Consistency in Praise
Regularly expressing gratitude helps maintain a focus on God's goodness, even in challenging times.

Encouragement to Others
When we declare God's works, we encourage others to see His hand in their lives and join in thanksgiving.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does expressing gratitude to God impact your personal relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of declaring God's wonderful works into your daily life?

3. How does public testimony of God's works serve as a witness to non-believers?

4. Reflect on a time when recounting God's deeds helped you through a difficult situation. How can this practice be a source of strength?

5. How do the themes of thanksgiving and declaration in Psalm 26:7 connect with the New Testament teachings on prayer and worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 9:1
This verse also speaks of giving thanks to the Lord and recounting His wonderful deeds, emphasizing a heart of gratitude.

1 Chronicles 16:8-9
David's song of thanks when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of declaring God's works.

Philippians 4:6
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, connecting the act of gratitude with prayer.

Hebrews 13:15
Speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that openly profess His name, aligning with the theme of vocal thanksgiving.
Sermons
Declaring Boldly God's Mercy and GoodnessH. G. Salter.Psalm 26:7
An Appeal Marked by Specific EntreatyC. Clemence, D. D.Psalm 26:1-12
Assailed Integrity's Final Appeal. F1C. Clemance Psalm 26:1-12
David's Appeal and its IssueBp. Wm. Nicholson.Psalm 26:1-12
David's IntegrityD. Caldwell, M. A.Psalm 26:1-12
IntegrityW. Forsyth Psalm 26:1-12
Leading Proofs of Personal PietyHomilistPsalm 26:1-12
The Character of an Upright Man Sketched by HimselfC. Clemence, D. D.Psalm 26:1-12
The Oppressed Righteous ManC. Short Psalm 26:1-12
Compassing the AltarAndrew Bonar.Psalm 26:6-7
Preparation for Divine WorshipP. Mearns.Psalm 26:6-7
Purity of Heart and LifePsalm 26:6-7
The Devout WorshipperW. G. Barrett.Psalm 26:6-7
The Sacrament of the Lord's SupperR. Oakman, B. A.Psalm 26:6-7
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aloud, Cause, Confession, Declare, Deeds, Marvellous, Praise, Proclaim, Public, Publish, Recount, Singing, Song, Telling, Thanksgiving, Voice, Wonderful, Wonders, Wondrous, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 26:6-7

     8496   witnessing, importance

Library
Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Hezekiah, the Praying King
One can form a habit of study until the will seems to be at rest and only the intellect is engaged, the will having retired altogether from exercise. This is not true of real praying. If the affections are laggard, cold, indifferent, if the intellect is furnishing no material to clothe the petition with imagery and fervor, the prayer is a mere vaporing ofintellectual exercise, nothing being accomplished worth while.--Rev. Homer W. Hodge The great religious reformation under King Hezekiah and the …
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

The Courts of God
"Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth."--Ps. xxvi. 8. R. Rolle, 1349. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 O Lord, I have loved the fair beauty Of the house Thou hast chosen for Thee, The courts where Thy gladness rejoiceth, And where Thou delightest to be. For I love to be made the fair dwelling Where God in His grace may abide; I would cast forth whatever may grieve Thee, And welcome none other beside. Oh blessed the grace that has made me The home …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Letter xxxix (A. D. 1137) to the Same.
To the Same. He expresses his regret at his very long absence from his beloved Clairvaux, and his desire to return to his dear sons. He tells them of the consolations that he feels nevertheless in his great labours for the Church. 1. My soul is sorrowful until I return, and it refuses to be comforted till it see you. For what is my consolation in the hour of evil, and in the place of my pilgrimage? Are not you in the Lord? Wherever I go, the sweet memory of you never leaves me; but the sweeter the …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
PART I The church in the north of Africa has hardly been mentioned since the time of St. Cyprian (Chapter VIII). But we must now look towards it again, since in the days of St. Chrysostom it produced a man who was perhaps the greatest of all the old Christian fathers--St. Augustine. Augustine was born at Thagaste, a city of Numidia, in the year 354. His mother, Monica, was a pious Christian, but his father, Patricius, was a heathen, and a man of no very good character. Monica was resolved to bring …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Question of the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? S. Thomas, On the Beatific Vision, I., xii. 7 ad 3m II. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. 19 III. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. 18 " Ep., cxxx. ad probam IV. Does the Contemplative Life consist solely in the Contemplation of God, or in the Consideration …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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