Psalms 52:8

THREE MARKS OF DAVID'S GRATITUDE

"But as for me I am like a green olive tree in the house of God:

I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

I will give thanks forever, because thou hast done it;

And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints."

"A green olive tree in the house of God" (Psalms 52:8). Some scholars have questioned whether or not olive trees were actually planted upon the tabernacle grounds, or later upon the temple grounds; but the great likelihood is that they were indeed planted there. This verse seems to say as much.

"Herodotus tells us that there was an abundance of trees in the courts of Egyptian temples; and till this day on the site of the ancient temple there are a number of magnificent cypress, olive, and lemon trees."[15] As a metaphor of the safety of God's child, such a tree was very appropriate. It would have been protected from vandalism and would have received the very best of care.

As a consequence of God's wonderful blessing, in spite of Doeg's shameful deeds, David makes three pledges to God in these final two verses.

"I trust in the lovingkindness of God" (Psalms 52:8).

"I will give thee thanks forever" (Psalms 52:9).

"I will hope ... in the presence of thy saints" (Psalms 52:9).

We have often observed that the word "lovingkindness" is almost a Davidic signature in the psalms attributed to him.

As McCaw wrote, "The three marks of David's reaction are: (1) his gratitude that God had intervened for him, (2) a testimony to the loveliness of God's character, and (3) a projected fellowship with God's people."[16]