Psalms 118:27-29
The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The call to "bind the sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar" isn't just about securing an animal, but an urgent, overflowing act of thanksgiving. It signifies bringing all the promised sacrifices, a testament to the overwhelming light of God's salvation that has dawned upon them, demanding a complete offering.
This psalm is a celebration of victory and deliverance, likely recounting a triumphant return to Jerusalem and the Temple. Following a blessing from the priests and a call to rejoice in God's steadfast love, the people approach the altar with sacrifices. The verse captures the crescendo of this procession as they acknowledge God's light shining upon them and prepare to offer their joyous sacrifices, securing them to the altar as a sign of complete devotion.
The verse bursts forth with praise for God's name. What makes God's identity so powerful that it brings light?
The psalmists declare, 'The LORD is God' (or 'El Yahweh' in the original language). This isn't just a simple statement; it's a declaration of supreme authority and power. 'El' speaks of God's might and strength, while 'Yahweh' is His covenant name, revealing His faithfulness and personal relationship with His people.
When they follow this with, 'and he has made his light to shine upon us,' they're connecting God's very being and covenant faithfulness to the revelation and salvation they've experienced. This 'light' symbolizes joy, deliverance, understanding, and God's presence. It's not just any light; it's the light that shines because He is the mighty, covenant Lord.
The call to 'bind the sacrifice' sounds intense. What does this action signify in the context of worship and celebration?
This imagery of binding the sacrifice, even 'up to the horns of the altar,' speaks to the thoroughness and totality of worship. The horns of the altar were places of atonement and were sometimes used to secure the sacrificial animal.
It signifies bringing the offering completely and securely to God. This act completes the thanksgiving that began with the joyous entry and declaration of God's light. It’s not a partial offering; it's a full devotion, presenting their lives and gratitude fully before God's presence. In a Gospel context, this points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, and our call to present our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
Understand the original words
El · Hebrew Noun
The generic term for the divine Creator and Ruler, used to emphasize God’s power, majesty, and supreme authority over all existence.
or · Hebrew Noun
A symbol of divine presence, favor, revelation, life, and holiness. God’s light dispels darkness, guides the believer, and manifests His glory to humanity.
chag · Hebrew Noun
A religious ceremony or animal offering presented to God as a part of a holy celebration or covenantal worship. It emphasizes the necessity of atonement and the joy of coming into God's presence.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
The sacred place of sacrifice and intercession where heaven meets earth, representing the site of reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity through the shed blood of an offering.
This psalm likely echoes the joy and religious fervor of a triumphant return to Jerusalem and the Temple, celebrating God's deliverance and the restoration of His light and presence after periods of great national crisis like exile.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Triumph and Temple Entry
King David, after securing Jerusalem and bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city, likely celebrated a great victory and religious festival. Psalm 118 is traditionally associated with this triumphal procession and dedication.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction Begins
David's son, Solomon, began the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental religious undertaking that would become the central place of worship and sacrifice.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event would have heightened fears and reinforced the importance of Jerusalem and the Temple for the remaining southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the Judean population. This was a catastrophic event, plunging the people into a period of darkness and despair.
This passage speaks of a great light shining upon people walking in darkness, echoing the theme of God's light bringing hope and salvation mentioned in Psalm 118:27.
John 1:14It describes the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, bringing grace and truth – a profound fulfillment of God showing His light in a tangible way.
Matthew 21:8-10This records Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds spread cloaks and branches, hailing Him. This echoes the joyous procession and sacrificial offering described in Psalm 118, with David being a type of Christ.
Hebrews 12:28This verse calls us to offer acceptable worship to God with reverence and awe. It connects to the sacrificial context of Psalm 118:27 by highlighting that our spiritual sacrifices, like praise, are what God desires.
pulpitPsalms 118:27: "God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar."
Verse 27. - God is the Lord, which hath showed us light. Having received the priestly benediction, the processionists resume their strain. They have entered within the courts; they are approaching the altar of sacrifice; they have brought their offering. "Jehovah," they say, "is God, and hath given us light" (see the Revised Version). That is, he has enlightened our spi…
poolePsalms 118:27: "God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar."
God is the Lord; God hath proved himself to be the Lord Jehovah by the accomplishment of his promises. See Poole "Exodus 6:3" . Or, the Lord or Jehovah is God , as it was said upon another solemn occasion and appearance of God, 1 Kings 18:39 ; or, is the mighty God , as this name of God signifies, and as he showed himself to be by this his mighty and wonderful work. Whi…
The call to "bind the sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar" isn't just about securing an animal, but an urgent, overflowing act of thanksgiving. It signifies bringing all the promised sacrifices, a testament to the overwhelming light of God's salvation that has dawned upon them, demanding a complete offering.
This psalm is a celebration of victory and deliverance, likely recounting a triumphant return to Jerusalem and the Temple. Following a blessing from the priests and a call to rejoice in God's steadfast love, the people approach the altar with sacrifices. The verse captures the crescendo of this procession as they acknowledge God's light shining upon them and prepare to offer their joyous sacrifices, securing them to the altar as a sign of complete devotion.
This psalm is a celebration of victory and deliverance, likely recounting a triumphant return to Jerusalem and the Temple. Following a blessing from the priests and a call to rejoice in God's steadfast love, the people approach the altar with sacrifices. The verse captures the crescendo of this procession as they acknowledge God's light shining upon them and prepare to offer their joyous sacrifices, securing them to the altar as a sign of complete devotion.
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yadah · Hebrew Verb
A heartfelt response to God’s grace, involving the verbal confession of His mighty acts, character, and salvific interventions. It is a fundamental posture of worship for the believer.
rum · Hebrew Verb
To exalt or lift up the name and character of God, often in a public declaration of praise. It reflects a posture of deep adoration and celebration of God’s sovereignty.
tob · Hebrew Adjective
A state of moral excellence, benevolence, and purity of character. When applied to God, it summarizes His nature as the standard and source of all that is right, beautiful, and beneficial.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
The covenantal, faithful love of God that is unmerited, constant, and enduring. It represents His loyalty to His people despite their unfaithfulness, rooted in His immutable character.
539 BC
Cyrus Cylinder and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marked the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua, the Second Temple in Jerusalem was completed and rededicated. This represented a return of worship and a beacon of hope after the exile.
"The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. O…" — The call to "bind the sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar" isn't just about securing an animal, but an urgent, overflowing act of thanksgiving. It signifies bringing all the promised…
