Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 7:17

"I will give thanks unto Jehovah according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Jehovah Most High." — Psalms 7:17 (ASV)

I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness - This refers particularly to how it is manifested in the treatment of the righteous and the wicked: protecting the one, and bringing deserved punishment upon the other. The purpose of the psalm is to show this.

In the course of the psalm, the author had declared his full conviction that this was God's character. Now, in view of this, he says that he will render to Him the praise and glory which such a character deserves. He will acknowledge Him by public acts of praise as such a God; and will at all times ascribe these attributes to Him.

And will sing praise to the name of the Lord - This refers to the name of Jehovah, that is, to Yahweh Himself. The "name" is often used to designate a person, or that by which He is known. Also, in many cases, as in this one, it is significant, designating the essential nature of Him to whom it is applied.

Most high - exalted above all other beings; exalted above all worlds. The purpose declared here of praising God may refer to one of two things. It may refer to the act the psalmist was then performing in the composition of the psalm. Alternatively, it may be a purpose for the future, declaring his intention to retain in future life the memory of those characteristics of the divine nature now revealed to him, and to celebrate them for all time to come.

The great truth taught is that God is to be adored for what He is. His holy character, manifested alike in His treatment of the righteous and the wicked, lays the foundation for exalted praise.