All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm boldly proclaims that the overwhelming power of surrounding nations was overcome not by human might, but by invoking the "name of the LORD." This isn't just a prayer; it’s a declaration of confidence that God's authority and power, when called upon, were the decisive weapons.
All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist recounts being surrounded by hostile nations, a common experience for Israel and particularly for David during his rise to kingship. This verse is part of a larger song of thanksgiving and praise, describing past deliverance and looking forward to future victories in God's name. It sets the stage for declarations of God's strength and the ultimate triumph over all enemies, whether those faced by ancient Israel, by Christ, or by believers today.
Ever feel like the whole world is against you? This verse speaks to that feeling, but with a powerful twist.
The psalmist uses hyperbole here, meaning an exaggeration for emphasis. "All nations" wasn't literal, but it captures the feeling of being completely surrounded by hostile forces.
A Sea of Enemies
Think of David facing the combined might of the Philistines, Syrians, Ammonites, and Moabites. Or, consider the nation of Israel returning from exile, with surrounding peoples actively trying to stop their rebuilding efforts. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; it was a desperate situation where annihilation seemed imminent.
The Antitype
This imagery is even more potent when applied to Jesus. Imagine Him facing down the religious leaders, Roman authorities, and the mocking crowds – all gathered with one purpose: His destruction. It's a picture of ultimate opposition.
How do you defeat an enemy that seems invincible? This verse points to a power source beyond human strength.
The turning point in the verse is "but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!" This isn't just a casual mention of God; it's invoking His authority, power, and presence.
Invoking Divine Authority
To "act in the name of the LORD" means to operate with His delegated power and on His behalf. It's similar to how an ambassador acts in the name of their king. For David, it meant fighting with the courage and might God granted him. For Jesus, it meant confronting and defeating sin, death, and Satan through His divine authority.
Ask a follow-up
Trust and Action
This phrase implies a deep trust and reliance. It's not about hoping God will help; it's about stepping out knowing He is with you and empowers you. The original languages suggest meanings like "in reliance upon the Lord" or "by the strength of the Lord." It's a declaration of faith that leads to decisive action.
Understand the original words
goyim · Hebrew Noun
Ethnic, political, or social groups; in the Old Testament, often refers to the non-Israelite groups who stand in opposition to God’s covenant people.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of the character, authority, reputation, and presence of God; to act in the name of God is to act by His authority and power.
milah · Hebrew Verb
To destroy, prune, or cut away; metaphorically used to describe victory over enemies or the removal of obstacles by God’s power.
This verse paints a vivid picture of overwhelming opposition, drawing on the historical context of Israel's struggles against surrounding nations, particularly during David's reign. It also resonates with later periods of oppression and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over all spiritual enemies.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Early Reign and Wars
David faced numerous surrounding nations like the Philistines, Syrians, Ammonites, and Moabites who attacked or threatened his nascent kingdom. These conflicts were driven by jealousy, fear of his growing power, and animosity towards Israel's God.
c. 6th-5th century BC
Post-Exilic Rebuilding Challenges
After the Babylonian exile, the returning Jewish exiles faced opposition from surrounding peoples, including Samaritans and others, as they attempted to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. This period was marked by persistent threats and attempts to thwart their restoration.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Opposition
During Jesus' earthly ministry, various groups including Jewish leaders (like Herod and the populace) and Roman authorities (like Pontius Pilate) conspired against him. This collective opposition sought to crush his movement and perceived threat.
c. 1st century AD
Early Church Persecution
The early Christian church faced intense hostility from both the Jewish establishment and the Roman Empire. The burgeoning faith was seen as a threat, leading to widespread persecution and attempts to eradicate it.
c. Revelation 20 AD
Apocalyptic Imagery of Future Conflict
The book of Revelation describes future eschatological battles where vast opposing forces, sometimes referred to as Gog and Magog, will gather against God's people. This imagery speaks of ultimate divine judgment upon all enemies.
This passage shows God strategically reducing Gideon's army to highlight that victory comes through divine power, not human might, mirroring how the psalmist trusts in the 'name of the Lord' against overwhelming odds.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David, facing Goliath and the Philistine army, explicitly states his trust in the 'name of the LORD of hosts' for victory, directly echoing the psalmist's confidence in this verse.
2 Chronicles 20:1-30King Jehoshaphat, facing a massive invading army, leads his people in prayer and trust in God's name, demonstrating how the principle of relying on divine power against numerous enemies extends to corporate worship and action.
Matthew 12:18This quote from Isaiah 42:1 identifies Jesus as God's servant, in whom God delights, implying that Jesus's victories over spiritual enemies are accomplished in the power and name of God.
Acts 4:27-28The early church recognizes that the nations (Herod and Pontius Pilate, Gentiles and Israel) conspired against Jesus, fulfilling God's sovereign plan, aligning with the idea of surrounding enemies being overcome by God's predetermined purpose.
pulpitPsalms 118:10: "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."
Verse 10. - All nations compassed me about. This is, of course, hyperbole. But it was a fact that all, or almost all, the nations among whom the Israelites dwelt were at all times hostile to them, and sought their destruction. But in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them; or, "I will mow them down" (comp. Job 24:24).
gillPsalms 118:10: "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."
All nations compassed me about,.... Not all the nations of the world, but all the neighbouring nations about Judea; as the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Amalekites, and Syrians; and these not all at one time, but sometimes one, and sometimes another, whom David fought with and subdued: and these, applied to Christ, design Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel; who…
The psalm boldly proclaims that the overwhelming power of surrounding nations was overcome not by human might, but by invoking the "name of the LORD." This isn't just a prayer; it’s a declaration of confidence that God's authority and power, when called upon, were the decisive weapons.
The psalmist recounts being surrounded by hostile nations, a common experience for Israel and particularly for David during his rise to kingship. This verse is part of a larger song of thanksgiving and praise, describing past deliverance and looking forward to future victories in God's name. It sets the stage for declarations of God's strength and the ultimate triumph over all enemies, whether those faced by ancient Israel, by Christ, or by believers today.
The psalmist recounts being surrounded by hostile nations, a common experience for Israel and particularly for David during his rise to kingship. This verse is part of a larger song of thanksgiving and praise, describing past deliverance and looking forward to future victories in God's name. It sets the stage for declarations of God's strength and the ultimate triumph over all enemies, whether those faced by ancient Israel, by Christ, or by believers today.
"All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!" — The psalm boldly proclaims that the overwhelming power of surrounding nations was overcome not by human might, but by invoking the "name of the LORD." This isn't just a prayer; it’s a declaration of…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026