the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights God's powerful, active intervention on behalf of the faithful. This phrase, often signifying God's strength and authority, is lifted up here not just as a statement of power, but as a declaration of God's decisive and victorious action in the midst of struggle.
the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is in a place of intense thanksgiving, reflecting on a recent, miraculous deliverance from overwhelming enemies. Having just described the sounds of victory and salvation filling the tents of the righteous, the focus shifts to the divine agent of this rescue. These verses celebrate God’s powerful intervention, highlighting His mighty deeds that brought salvation and affirming the psalmist’s renewed life and purpose to declare God's works.
Ever feel like you're facing impossible odds? This verse paints a picture of divine power that can shatter any barrier.
The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" isn't just poetic; it emphasizes God's active, powerful involvement.
This speaks to God's ability and willingness to step into our situations with overwhelming power to bring about salvation and vindication.
In times of trouble, where do we ultimately find our deliverance? This verse points to an unwavering source.
This psalm bursts forth with praise after a near-death experience. The declaration of God's 'right hand' doing valiantly is the reason for the rejoicing.
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This reminds us that true, lasting salvation comes not from human effort or circumstance, but from the powerful, victorious work of God's own hand.
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 psalm resonates with the experience of a people who have faced profound devastation and exile, only to witness God's powerful intervention and restoration, turning cries of despair into songs of triumphant praise.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David consolidates his rule over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and securing a period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 970-931 BC
Reign of Solomon
Solomon, David's son, builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of God's presence and the center of Israel's worship.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of its people and demonstrating the vulnerability of the divided kingdom.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Babylonian forces conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, and exile many of the Judean elite, a devastating blow to the nation.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Allows Return from Exile
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem, marking a significant moment of restoration and hope for the returning exiles.
Post-Exilic Period— this verse
Psalms of Thanksgiving and Restoration
Psalms like the 118th are likely composed or finalized during the post-exilic period, reflecting on God's mighty acts of deliverance and His enduring faithfulness.
This passage uses similar language to describe God's mighty power in delivering His people, directly paralleling the 'right hand' with glorious power.
Isaiah 41:10This verse speaks to God's strengthening presence and supportive 'right hand' that upholds His chosen people, reflecting the valiantly acting hand of God mentioned in the Psalm.
John 10:28-29Jesus speaks of His Father's supremacy and protection over His sheep, implying the Father's 'right hand' of power securing them, similar to the Psalm's declaration.
Acts 2:33Peter proclaims Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God, receiving the promised Holy Spirit, which connects the exaltation of God's right hand to a victorious divine act.
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…
The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights God's powerful, active intervention on behalf of the faithful. This phrase, often signifying God's strength and authority, is lifted up here not just as a statement of power, but as a declaration of God's decisive and victorious action in the midst of struggle.
The psalmist is in a place of intense thanksgiving, reflecting on a recent, miraculous deliverance from overwhelming enemies. Having just described the sounds of victory and salvation filling the tents of the righteous, the focus shifts to the divine agent of this rescue. These verses celebrate God’s powerful intervention, highlighting His mighty deeds that brought salvation and affirming the psalmist’s renewed life and purpose to declare God's works.
The psalmist is in a place of intense thanksgiving, reflecting on a recent, miraculous deliverance from overwhelming enemies. Having just described the sounds of victory and salvation filling the tents of the righteous, the focus shifts to the divine agent of this rescue. These verses celebrate God’s powerful intervention, highlighting His mighty deeds that brought salvation and affirming the psalmist’s renewed life and purpose to declare God's works.
"the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”" — The repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights God's powerful, active intervention on behalf of the faithful. This phrase, often signifying God's strength and a…
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Last reviewed October 2026