This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's so striking here is the phrase "it is marvelous in our eyes." This isn't just an objective statement of God's power; it's a reflection of how the people experienced it. Their perception of the event as "marvelous" highlights their own astonishment and perhaps even disbelief, showing how God's intervention exceeded their expectations.
This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 118, a psalm likely sung during a national celebration, perhaps the dedication of the rebuilt Temple or a similar joyous event after a period of distress. The preceding verses recount struggles, enemies surrounding them, and a plea for salvation, culminating in God's powerful intervention. This verse, therefore, is an exclamation of awe and gratitude from the people witnessing their miraculous deliverance and restoration, recognizing it as an act of God, not human effort.
Ever feel like you're fighting an uphill battle, or that things just can't work out? This verse cuts through that doubt.
The psalmist isn't just saying 'God helped out a little.' He's declaring that the entire situation, especially the seemingly impossible parts, originates from the Lord. It's not about human strength, cleverness, or even what looks wise to us. It's about recognizing that God can and does act in ways that defy human logic and capability.
Think about it:
Sometimes, the most incredible acts of God are right in front of us, yet we struggle to see them. What does it mean for something to be 'marvelous in our eyes'?
The phrase 'marvelous in our eyes' points to a profound reaction of awe and astonishment. It’s not just acknowledging that God did something; it's the heart's response to witnessing His power and wisdom firsthand. This response often comes when we see His hand at work in situations that:
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It’s a call to open our eyes to the miraculous, recognizing that what seems 'too wonderful' or 'beyond possibility' is often exactly where God displays His glory most vividly.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenant-keeping name of God revealed to Israel; He who is self-existent, faithful, and the source of all existence.
niphlah · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Something that causes astonishment, wonder, or awe; often used in Scripture to describe God’s miraculous interventions or His majestic works that transcend human expectation.
This verse likely echoes the profound awe and gratitude experienced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah, or perhaps during the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean revolt. In both instances, the restoration of the Jewish people and their sacred spaces against formidable odds was seen as a direct, miraculous intervention by God, far beyond human capability.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
After decades of exile, the Jewish people are permitted to return to Jerusalem by Cyrus the Great. This marked the beginning of the rebuilding of the Temple and national life.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated. This was a monumental achievement for the returning exiles, symbolizing the restoration of their community and worship.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a critical step in restoring the city's security and prestige. This event fostered a sense of national renewal and divine favor.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt against Hellenistic rule leads to the rededication of the Temple. This period saw intense struggle and a powerful reaffirmation of God's deliverance.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 118:22-23, applying the concept of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone to Jesus, highlighting the divine orchestration of His seemingly disastrous rejection and ultimate exaltation.
Acts 4:11Peter references this verse, again applying the 'stone' imagery to Jesus, emphasizing that His authority and power come from God alone, not human endeavors, echoing the 'Lord's doing' theme.
Nehemiah 6:16This verse from Nehemiah shows a similar recognition of God's hand in a significant national event, with opponents acknowledging that a difficult work was 'from our God,' mirroring the sense of divine intervention in Psalm 118:23.
Jeremiah 32:17Jeremiah expresses awe at God's power to do the seemingly impossible, proclaiming 'Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you!' This resonates with the wonder of God's 'marvelous' work described in the psalm.
pulpitPsalms 118:23: "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
Verse 23. - This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This fresh elevation of Israel to importance - especially to such great importance - can only be attributed to the work of Divine providence. It is "the Lord's doing" - literally, "from the Lord" - and is one of the most marvelous events of history.
gillPsalms 118:23: "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
This is the Lord's doing,.... This stone is from the Lord, Genesis 49:24 ; it is of his choosing, appointing, and laying: the rejection of it by the builders is through his permission and will; they did no other things than what his hand and counsel determined should be done, Acts 2:23 ; and the exaltation of it, or the making it the head of the corner, was of him; he highly exalted him at his right hand, above every name,…
What's so striking here is the phrase "it is marvelous in our eyes." This isn't just an objective statement of God's power; it's a reflection of how the people experienced it. Their perception of the event as "marvelous" highlights their own astonishment and perhaps even disbelief, showing how God's intervention exceeded their expectations.
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 118, a psalm likely sung during a national celebration, perhaps the dedication of the rebuilt Temple or a similar joyous event after a period of distress. The preceding verses recount struggles, enemies surrounding them, and a plea for salvation, culminating in God's powerful intervention. This verse, therefore, is an exclamation of awe and gratitude from the people witnessing their miraculous deliverance and restoration, recognizing it as an act of God, not human effort.
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 118, a psalm likely sung during a national celebration, perhaps the dedication of the rebuilt Temple or a similar joyous event after a period of distress. The preceding verses recount struggles, enemies surrounding them, and a plea for salvation, culminating in God's powerful intervention. This verse, therefore, is an exclamation of awe and gratitude from the people witnessing their miraculous deliverance and restoration, recognizing it as an act of God, not human effort.
"This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." — What's so striking here is the phrase "it is marvelous in our eyes." This isn't just an objective statement of God's power; it's a reflection of how the people experienced it. Their perception of…
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Last reviewed October 2026