The author of the praise psalm, David had been sick and his enemies were happy. They knew he had faith in the Lord and despised him for it. Like Cain who wanted his brother dead, they so wanted David dead. Hate is from the same evil cells as murder. (Matthew 5:21, 15:9)
David did not have a mere cold. His illness was life-threatening. He was only a cough away from the grave. If David were to die, his enemies would gloat like Jesus’ enemies gloat. “He trusts in God. Yet, he hangs here dying.”
David did not die. The Lord healed him. The Lord brought him up from the grave (Sheol in Hebrew). He was spared from going down to the pit (bor in Hebrew). So David praised the Lord. He exalted the Lord. The Hebrew word “ramam” (a transliteration) is translated into English as “exalt” and “extol”, a poetic way to emotionally hold in reverence and fear. Some believe it means singing praise songs, which is generally true. Yet, the emotional state makes exaltation meaningful to God. Without awe, there is no love in exaltation. If I do not believe God healed me keep my mouth shut. If I do think God healed me why do I keep my mouth shut?
