Psalms 48:10
According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Psalms 48:10
“According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.” The verse links God’s renown and the reach of his praise to the integrity of his character—his name represents his person and actions. God’s right hand, a symbol of strength and salvation, being “full of righteousness” signals that his power is exercised in just, merciful, and holy ways. In Zion-centered poetry, to praise God “according to his name” means to praise him for who he is as revealed in his deeds and character, including deliverance, justice, and faithfulness. The call to praise to the ends of the earth expands the vision beyond Israel to all nations, anticipating the universal scope of God’s kingship and salvation. The verse encapsulates a theology of witness: the people of God declare God’s righteousness in the world because his actions in history display his character.
This verse asserts a robust link between God’s attributes and the content of praise. God’s righteousness is not abstract; it is demonstrated in how he acts on behalf of the vulnerable, upholds justice, and remains faithful to his covenant. It also anchors missionary impulse: God’s fame should extend to all corners of creation. The phrase “to the ends of the earth” foreshadows the gospel’s universal reach, aligning Old Testament faith with New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Praise becomes a response to God’s righteous acts, inviting others to discern and worship the true and holy God.
Practically, this invites believers to center worship on God’s righteous deeds and to share those acts as testimonies that invite others to trust him. Ways to live this out: study and recount God’s acts of justice in your community; support advocacy for the vulnerable and oppressed; engage in cross-cultural conversations and missions that reflect God’s desire for global praise. In personal life, reflect on how God’s righteousness shows up in decisions, integrity in work, and mercy toward neighbors. Let your social media, conversations, and actions consistently reflect God’s character, so others can see that praise is not mere sentiment but a lived reality of a just and powerful God who cares for the world.
Cross-References: Exodus 34:6-7; Isaiah 42:6-7; Psalm 45:17; Luke 2:10-11; Revelation 7:9-12