Psalm 118:25-26
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The urgency isn't just about immediate rescue, but about God continuing to save and sustaining the prosperity He's already granted. This isn't a one-time request, but a recognition of constant dependence on God for both deliverance and ongoing blessing.
Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is a powerful cry from a community in distress, likely during a procession or a significant national event where they're appealing for God's intervention. The verse immediately follows thanksgiving for past deliverances and looks forward to continued divine help, especially in light of potential future threats. It culminates a section of praise and anticipation, setting the stage for the triumphant conclusion of the psalm where God is celebrated as king.
You've probably heard the word 'Hosanna,' especially around Easter. But do you know what it really means? It's more than just a joyful shout!
This verse is the source of the famous cry, 'Hosanna!' In the original language, this phrase is a powerful plea: 'Save us, we pray!' It's not just a casual request; it's a deep, urgent cry from people facing real needs.
A Plea, Not Just a Praise
Think of it like this: when you're in a tough spot, you don't just say 'Hope things get better.' You cry out for help. That's the heart of 'Hosanna.' It’s a prayer for deliverance, for God’s active intervention in difficult times. It’s a recognition that our help comes from the Lord, and we need Him to act, and to act now.
The cry for help is clear, but there's another layer to this prayer. What does it mean to ask God for 'success'?
After the urgent plea to be saved, the verse adds, 'O LORD, we pray, give us success!' This isn't a selfish grab for personal gain or worldly achievement. It's a prayer for God's blessing on His people and His purposes.
God's Work, God's Blessing
In the context of the Psalms, 'success' often refers to God enabling His people to carry out His will, to flourish under His reign, and to see His kingdom advance. It's asking God to empower them to live faithfully and to accomplish what He has called them to do. When the people of God are 'successful,' it’s ultimately a testament to God’s faithfulness and power, not just their own efforts.
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Understand the original words
yasha · Hebrew Verb
An urgent plea for divine intervention, deliverance, or rescue; famously echoed in the New Testament as 'Hosanna' (Hoshana).
na · Hebrew Particle (interjection)
An earnest request or petition, often directed toward God, acknowledging dependence on His favor and sovereign will.
tsalach · Hebrew Verb
To experience divine favor, breakthrough, or the successful outcome of an endeavor through God's blessing rather than human merit alone.
baruk · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
To be brought into a state of spiritual favor, happiness, or divine prosperity by God. It signifies the bestowal of divine favor and the pronouncement of God's approval.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the Creator God of Israel, revealing His eternal, self-existent nature as the I AM. It is the name through which He makes His character and saving works known to His people.
This verse, famously echoing in Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and often sung during festivals, carries the deep yearning of God's people for deliverance and blessing, whether in times of national crisis, rebuilding, or anticipation of their King.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Anointed King of Israel
David is eventually united with the northern tribes, becoming king over all Israel. This marks a significant consolidation of power and the establishment of Jerusalem as a central city.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction Begins
David's son Solomon begins the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental project that solidifies Israel's religious and national identity.
586 BC
Babylonians Destroy Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This is a devastating blow to the nation.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great defeats the Babylonian empire. This event opens the door for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
516 BC
Second Temple Dedicated
After returning from exile, the Jewish people, under leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, complete and dedicate the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, facing significant opposition. His prayer in Nehemiah 1:11 uses similar phrasing to Psalm 118:25.
AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds cry out using phrases derived from this Psalm, shouting 'Hosanna to the Son of David!'
This passage directly connects to Psalm 118:25, showing how the crowd used the cry 'Hosanna!' (which comes from the Hebrew for 'Save us, we pray!') when Jesus entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prayer's application to the Messiah.
John 12:13This verse further illustrates the Messianic fulfillment of Psalm 118:25, as it describes the disciples and the crowd taking branches and shouting 'Hosanna!' during Jesus' triumphal entry.
Jeremiah 31:7This prophetic verse echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:25 by calling for salvation and the Lord's blessing on His people, anticipating God's restoration and deliverance.
Nehemiah 1:11The prayer in this verse, 'prosper now your servant,' directly parallels the second half of Psalm 118:25, highlighting a consistent theme of asking God for success and blessing in His work.
pulpitPsalms 118:25: "Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."
Verse 25. - Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord; or, "we beseech thee." The interjectional אנא is as suitable to the several speakers as to one. O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity; i.e. continue to save, continue to send prosperity. Israel feels its constant dependence upon God, and that if the Divine care were remitted for a day, or for an hour, all would be lost. Tears, as Professor Cheyne ob…
clarkePsalms 118:25: "Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."
Save now, I beseech thee - These words were sung by the Jews on the feast of tabernacles, when carrying green branches in their hands; and from the הושיעה נא hoshiah nna, we have the word hosanna. This was sung by the Jewish children when Christ made his public entry into Jerusalem. See Matthew 21:9 (note), and see the note there, in which the word and the circumstance are both explained.
The urgency isn't just about immediate rescue, but about God continuing to save and sustaining the prosperity He's already granted. This isn't a one-time request, but a recognition of constant dependence on God for both deliverance and ongoing blessing.
This is a powerful cry from a community in distress, likely during a procession or a significant national event where they're appealing for God's intervention. The verse immediately follows thanksgiving for past deliverances and looks forward to continued divine help, especially in light of potential future threats. It culminates a section of praise and anticipation, setting the stage for the triumphant conclusion of the psalm where God is celebrated as king.
This is a powerful cry from a community in distress, likely during a procession or a significant national event where they're appealing for God's intervention. The verse immediately follows thanksgiving for past deliverances and looks forward to continued divine help, especially in light of potential future threats. It culminates a section of praise and anticipation, setting the stage for the triumphant conclusion of the psalm where God is celebrated as king.
"Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD." — The urgency isn't just about immediate rescue, but about God continuing to save and sustaining the prosperity He's already granted. This isn't a one-time request, but a recognition of constant de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
