Psalms 118:14-18
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just a statement of praise; it's a declaration that God has become the psalmist's salvation. The emphasis is on a transformation – His power is no longer just a source of strength, but the very substance of deliverance that brings forth his song of praise.
This psalm recounts a dramatic personal deliverance from overwhelming enemies who attacked relentlessly. The psalmist describes the enemy's aggression, God's intervention, and the resulting victory, leading to this declaration of praise. This verse echoes Moses' song of victory after the Red Sea crossing, connecting this personal triumph to Israel's greatest national deliverance and looking forward to future salvation.
When life feels overwhelming, where do you find your inner resilience? This verse reveals a profound truth about the source of true strength.
The psalmist declares, "The LORD is my strength and my song." This isn't just about physical power; it's about spiritual fortitude that enables worship even in the midst of struggle.
What does it truly mean to be saved? This verse points to God's active role, not just as a rescuer, but as the very author of our salvation.
The latter part of the verse states, 'he has become my salvation.' This is a powerful declaration of God's personal involvement in the psalmist's deliverance. It emphasizes that salvation isn't an abstract concept but a tangible reality brought about by God Himself.
Understand the original words
oz · Hebrew Noun
The inherent vigor, power, and defensive capability of God. It acknowledges that all capacity to endure and overcome comes directly from God rather than human agency.
zimrah · Hebrew Noun
A poetic expression of praise, often used to commemorate a specific act of God’s intervention. It represents the joy and gratitude of a heart that acknowledges God as the source of its triumph.
yeshuah · Hebrew Noun
The state of being delivered or rescued from danger, bondage, or destruction. Biblically, it refers not only to temporal rescue but ultimately to the full restoration and spiritual deliverance provided by God.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
This verse echoes the ancient Song of Moses (Exodus 15), sung after the miraculous exodus from Egypt. By referencing this foundational deliverance, the psalmist connects their present salvation to God's enduring power and faithfulness throughout Israel's history, especially during the challenging but hopeful post-exilic period.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
After decades of exile, Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a monumental moment of national restoration and hope, though challenges remained.
516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant religious and national event following the return from exile.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Feast of Tabernacles Celebration
A major national celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, likely involving the singing of Psalms like Psalm 118, commemorating God's faithfulness during the restoration period.
c. 167-142 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A period of intense conflict as Jewish rebels fought against Seleucid Greek rule. This era saw significant battles and eventual rededication of the Temple.
This verse directly echoes the sentiment of Exodus 15:2, where Moses and the Israelites sing 'The LORD is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation' after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. It links the psalmist's personal experience to the foundational salvation event of Israel's history.
Isaiah 12:2Isaiah 12:2 proclaims, 'Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation.' This passage shows the enduring theme of God as both strength and the source of salvation, resonating strongly with the psalmist's declaration.
Philippians 4:13Paul declares, 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.' While more about endurance and action, this New Testament passage highlights the practical outworking of having God as one's strength, similar to how the psalmist views the Lord as his essential strength in times of deliverance.
Romans 8:31Paul asks, 'What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?' This question emphasizes the ultimate security and power derived from God's presence and support, echoing the psalmist's confidence that the Lord's strength and salvation make him invincible.
pulpitPsalms 118:14: "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."
Verse 14. - The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. The deliverance was such that no words but those of the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:2) could fitly celebrate it.
gillPsalms 118:14: "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."
The Lord is my strength and song,.... It being in the name of the Lord the enemies of the psalmist were destroyed; and having obtained help of him when sore thrust at, he gives him all the glory, and ascribes nothing to himself. It was the Lord that strengthened him, helped him, and gave him the victory. The Lord is the author and giver of strength, natural and spiritual; he is the "strength" of the hearts and lives…
This verse isn't just a statement of praise; it's a declaration that God has become the psalmist's salvation. The emphasis is on a transformation – His power is no longer just a source of strength, but the very substance of deliverance that brings forth his song of praise.
This psalm recounts a dramatic personal deliverance from overwhelming enemies who attacked relentlessly. The psalmist describes the enemy's aggression, God's intervention, and the resulting victory, leading to this declaration of praise. This verse echoes Moses' song of victory after the Red Sea crossing, connecting this personal triumph to Israel's greatest national deliverance and looking forward to future salvation.
This psalm recounts a dramatic personal deliverance from overwhelming enemies who attacked relentlessly. The psalmist describes the enemy's aggression, God's intervention, and the resulting victory, leading to this declaration of praise. This verse echoes Moses' song of victory after the Red Sea crossing, connecting this personal triumph to Israel's greatest national deliverance and looking forward to future salvation.
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Individuals who are in a right standing with God through faith and obedience to His covenant. They are characterized by their trust in God and the manifestation of His justice and grace in their lives.
yamin · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for divine power, authority, and active intervention in history. The right hand represents the side of strength, honor, and decisive action used to protect the people of God and defeat their foes.
chayil · Hebrew Verb (Hiphil)
To act with strength, courage, or efficiency; to prevail or achieve a decisive result. It implies a manifestation of power that produces a significant and victorious outcome.
yāmîn · Hebrew Noun
A symbol of strength, authority, and power. In Scripture, God's right hand signifies His active intervention, deliverance, and sovereignty in history.
rûm · Hebrew Verb
To lift up, heighten, or raise to a position of honor or prominence. It expresses the action of God in vindicating His people or elevating them from a low state.
ḥayil · Hebrew Adverb/Noun phrase
To act with strength, power, or bravery. It denotes effective, mighty action, often used in the context of military victory or decisive intervention by God.
mût · Hebrew Verb
The cessation of biological life or spiritual separation. In the Psalms, it often represents the threat of destruction or the state of being cut off from the presence of God.
sāpar · Hebrew Verb
To recount or proclaim the works of God. It implies bearing witness to God's character and salvation so that His fame is spread among others.
maʿăśeh · Hebrew Noun
The acts, accomplishments, or wondrous works of God. It refers to His interventions in history to save, judge, or sustain His people.
yāsar · Hebrew Verb
The act of correction or instruction provided by God to His people. It is intended for spiritual maturity, repentance, and refinement rather than final destruction.
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the righ…" — This verse isn't just a statement of praise; it's a declaration that God has become the psalmist's salvation. The emphasis is on a transformation – His power is no longer just a source of strength,…
