Psalms 118:16
the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about God's power in general; it emphasizes God's active participation in our victories. The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" highlights that it's not a passive force, but an intentional, mighty action on our behalf, bringing about salvation and glorifying God Himself.
The psalmist is recounting a dramatic rescue from near-death and overwhelming enemies, acknowledging God's powerful intervention. This verse bursts forth from a moment of profound relief and praise, emphasizing that God's mighty actions are the source of this salvation, leading into a declaration of continued life to proclaim God's deeds and a desire to enter the temple to offer thanks.
When we hear 'right hand,' we might think of a helpful assistant. But in this psalm, it's the hand of a warrior God, raised high and ready for action.
The psalm describes God's 'right hand' as 'exalted.' This isn't just a casual gesture. Think of a king or a general raising their hand before a battle – it’s a declaration of intent and power.
Beyond just being raised, God's right hand is described as acting 'valiantly.' What does this powerful, decisive action mean for us today?
The repetition of 'the right hand of the LORD does valiantly' isn't just for emphasis; it highlights the effective, powerful, and decisive nature of God's work. This isn't aimless power, but purposeful action.
Understand the original words
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.
This verse reflects deep gratitude for divine deliverance, likely sung after a period of intense suffering and threat, celebrating God's powerful intervention that saved the singer and perhaps the nation from destruction. The repetition emphasizes the awe-inspiring might of God's right hand in bringing about salvation and restoring His people.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Consolidation
Following his struggles and periods of intense danger, David establishes a stable kingdom, solidifying his rule and leading Israel in worship and military victories.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction Begins
David's son Solomon begins building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental act of worship and a symbol of God's presence with His people.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people and serving as a stark warning to the southern kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population. This event marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity for the people of Judah.
This passage also celebrates God's powerful right hand in deliverance, directly paralleling the imagery of strength and victory found in Psalm 118:16.
Isaiah 41:10While Psalm 118:16 focuses on God's external actions, Isaiah 41:10 speaks to God's internal strengthening of His people, showing the 'right hand' also works to uphold and empower believers.
John 10:28-29Jesus' words here about His Father's power protecting His sheep directly reflect the 'exalted' and 'valiant' work of God's right hand to secure salvation.
1 Peter 5:6This verse encourages believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, echoing the theme of God's supreme power and action displayed in Psalm 118:16.
clarkePsalms 118:16: "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."
The right hand of the Lord is exalted - Jehovah lifted up his right hand, and with it performed prodigies of power.
gillPsalms 118:16: "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."
The right hand of the Lord is exalted,.... Lifted up, very eminent and conspicuous, easily to be observed in the instances before given, and become great and glorious in power; see Exodus 15:6 . The power of God is superior to all enemies; and is beyond conception and expression; and is able to do for his people above all they are able to ask or think; the right hand of the Lord doth valiantly: o…
This verse isn't just about God's power in general; it emphasizes God's active participation in our victories. The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" highlights that it's not a passive force, but an intentional, mighty action on our behalf, bringing about salvation and glorifying God Himself.
The psalmist is recounting a dramatic rescue from near-death and overwhelming enemies, acknowledging God's powerful intervention. This verse bursts forth from a moment of profound relief and praise, emphasizing that God's mighty actions are the source of this salvation, leading into a declaration of continued life to proclaim God's deeds and a desire to enter the temple to offer thanks.
The psalmist is recounting a dramatic rescue from near-death and overwhelming enemies, acknowledging God's powerful intervention. This verse bursts forth from a moment of profound relief and praise, emphasizing that God's mighty actions are the source of this salvation, leading into a declaration of continued life to proclaim God's deeds and a desire to enter the temple to offer thanks.
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539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict for Return
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, conquers Babylon. Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and, after significant challenges, complete the rebuilding of the Temple, a testament to God's faithfulness and the people's perseverance.
"the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”" — This verse isn't just about God's power in general; it emphasizes God's active participation in our victories. The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" highlights that it's not a passive forc…
