Give Thanks to HASHEM among the Nations

“Therefore, I shall give thanks to You, HASHEM, among the nations, and to Your Name I will sing. (2 Samuel 22:50)”

This verse finds itself among the list of more than 300 purported prophecies presented by many Christians in an effort to authenticate their religion. Some of these verses that supposedly prove their religion are simply declarations of praise and gratitude to HASHEM, thereby providing no evidence of any religion.

2 Samuel 22:50 is part of a song that “David spoke to HASHEM…on the day that HASHEM delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. (2 Samuel 22:1)” Immediately preceding this verse, David says, “…Exalted is G-d, Rock of my salvation, The G-d Who grants me vengeance and subdues nations beneath me, (2 Samuel 22:47-48)” In 2 Samuel 22:50, David states that he will give thanks to HASHEM for victory and sing His Name among the nations that were defeated and subdued, possibly referring to the Philistines.

According to Many Christians, when David says he, “shall give thanks to You, HASHEM, among the nations…” he supposedly predicts that the man they worship came for all people due to thanks being declared “among the nations…” Christians misunderstand David’s proclamation of thanks to predict their deity’s widespread acceptance among nations outside of the Jewish people, when, in actuality, the subsequent abandonment of Christian beliefs by the vast majority of Jews discredits the validity of Christianity. This is because the nations of the world are prophesied to ultimately see the wisdom and truth of Torah through Jewish observance.

“Many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek out HASHEM, Master of Legions, in Jerusalem, and to supplicate before HASHEM. Thus said HASHEM, Master of Legions: In those days it will happen that ten men, of all the [different] languages of the nations, will take hold, they will take hold of the corner of the garment of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that G-d is with you!’ (Zechariah 8:23)”

The nations are not prophesied to abolish parts of Torah and deify a man. It is the Jewish people, upholding and practicing Torah values that are the source of “…a light to the nations; (Isaiah 42:6)” as it is written,

“See, I have taught you decrees and ordinances, as HASHEM, my G-d, has commanded me, to do so in the midst of the Land to which you come to possess it. You shall safeguard and perform them, for it is your wisdom and discernment in the eyes of the peoples, who shall hear all these decrees and who shall say, “Surely a wise and discerning people is this great nation!” For which is a great nation that has a G-d Who is close to it, as Is HASHEM, our G-d, whenever we call to Him? And which is a great nation that has righteous decrees and ordinances, such as this entire Torah that I place before you this day? (Deuteronomy 4:5-8)”

The Jewish people are praised by HASHEM. Torah observance produces an intricately beautiful relationship with HASHEM and the Torah imparts wisdom, kindness, morality, mercy, justice, and Monotheism to the nations of the world. Jews will be sought out by the nations for their relationship with G-d and observance of Torah laws.