Psalms 118:11

KJV

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

KJV (with Strong's)

They compassed me about {H5437}; yea, they compassed me about {H5437}: but in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} I will destroy {H4135} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They surrounded me on every side in the name of ADONAI I cut them down.

Berean Standard Bible

They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

American Standard Version

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:11 stands as a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and confidence in God's ultimate deliverance, even when surrounded by overwhelming opposition. It encapsulates the psalmist's profound conviction that divine power decisively surpasses all earthly threats, transforming a situation of imminent peril into one of assured victory solely through reliance on the character and authority of the LORD. This verse serves as a timeless testament to the triumph of faith over fear, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 118 is a pivotal psalm of thanksgiving, forming the climax of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover and other major Jewish festivals. The psalm opens with a universal call to praise God for His enduring mercy, then transitions into a personal testimony of deliverance from distress, which often mirrors the national experience of Israel. Verse 11, "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them," is part of a series of declarations of victory over enemies (vv. 10-14), emphasizing the psalmist's (and by extension, Israel's) reliance on God alone. This section precedes the triumphant entry into the gates of righteousness and the famous messianic prophecy regarding the [stone the builders rejected, which became the chief cornerstone](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone"), underscoring a narrative arc from tribulation to ultimate vindication and glorification.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "compassing" by enemies likely refers to literal military threats, sieges, or periods of intense national distress and invasion that Israel frequently faced throughout its history. Such imagery would have resonated deeply with a people who often found themselves geographically vulnerable and politically besieged by stronger empires. The declaration "in the name of the LORD" (בשם יהוה, _b'shem YHWH_) is a profoundly significant theological statement. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" was not merely a label but represented the essence, character, authority, and power of the one bearing it. To act "in the name of the LORD" meant to act by His divine authority, drawing upon His very being as the covenant-keeping God (YHWH). This concept was foundational to Israel's understanding of their identity and their relationship with God, particularly in warfare, where divine intervention was often sought and celebrated, as seen in the accounts of [Israel's victories in Judges](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory") or [David's defeat of Goliath](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration to Goliath").

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 118 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Deliverance** is central; the psalmist's triumph is attributed solely to God, not human strength or strategy. This reinforces the theme that God is the ultimate source of salvation and victory, even when human efforts seem futile, as echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Secondly, **Faith Amidst Adversity** is vividly portrayed. Despite being severely threatened and "hemmed in on all sides," the psalmist does not despair but expresses resolute trust in God's power to overcome, demonstrating a proactive faith that declares victory before it is fully realized. Thirdly, **The Power of God's Name** is paramount. Declaring victory "in the name of the LORD" signifies acting by His authority, drawing upon His character, and invoking His supreme, omnipotent power. This is not merely an utterance but a reliance on His very being and covenant faithfulness, a truth also articulated in [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Overcoming Opposition**, whether literal adversaries or the challenges and spiritual forces that seek to overwhelm, providing a paradigm for assured victory through divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Compassed (Hebrew, סבבוני, _sab'vuni_):** This verb, repeated for emphasis ("They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about"), literally means "to surround," "encircle," or "besiege." The repetition intensifies the imagery, conveying a sense of being completely enclosed, hemmed in, and overwhelmed by adversaries. It paints a vivid picture of extreme pressure, vulnerability, and the relentless nature of the threat, highlighting the psalmist's dire predicament before divine intervention.
* **In the name of the LORD (Hebrew, בשם יהוה, _b'shem YHWH_):** This is a profound theological declaration. "YHWH" (Yahweh) is God's personal, covenantal name, signifying His eternal, self-existent, and active presence. To act "in His name" is to act under His authority, by His power, and according to His character and will. It implies a full reliance on God's very being, invoking His omnipotence and faithfulness as the source of strength and victory, rather than relying on human might or strategy.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, אמילם, _'amilam_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut off," "cut down," or "circumcise," this word here denotes a decisive and complete victory, an utter wiping out or decisive defeat of the enemies. It signifies not merely repelling an attack but achieving a conclusive and overwhelming triumph, ensuring that the threat is neutralized and the psalmist (or nation) is truly delivered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about:"** This opening clause vividly portrays the psalmist's desperate situation. The repetition underscores the overwhelming nature of the threat, suggesting a relentless, pervasive, and seemingly inescapable encirclement by enemies. It evokes a sense of being cornered, vulnerable, and outnumbered, setting the stage for the dramatic shift that follows. It emphasizes the severity of the trial and the apparent impossibility of human escape.
* **"but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."** This second clause introduces a powerful contrast and a declaration of resolute faith. The conjunction "but" marks a decisive turning point, shifting from the dire reality of the threat to the certainty of divine victory. The psalmist's confidence is not in personal strength or strategy, but entirely "in the name of the LORD," signifying reliance on God's inherent power, authority, and covenant faithfulness. The declaration "I will destroy them" is an active, confident assertion of future victory, rooted in the absolute certainty of God's intervention and superior power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about." This emphatic repetition serves to highlight the intensity, persistence, and overwhelming nature of the threat, vividly impressing upon the reader the psalmist's dire predicament. Following this, a stark **Contrast** is immediately introduced by the conjunction "but," which pivots from the overwhelming external threat to the internal declaration of divine empowerment. This creates a dramatic tension and resolution, emphasizing that God's power is the decisive factor against all odds. Furthermore, the phrase "in the name of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person, character, authority, and power of God. It is not merely an utterance of a word, but an invocation and reliance upon the very essence of YHWH. The declaration "I will destroy them" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, expressing the absolute certainty and totality of the victory, rather than a literal, individual annihilation, focusing on the complete neutralization of the threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:11 is a profound theological statement that resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming God's sovereignty and His active role as deliverer. It teaches that true power and ultimate victory do not reside in human strength, military might, or strategic cunning, but solely in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God, invoked through His revealed character. This reliance on "the name of the LORD" underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where His name represents His active presence and commitment to their salvation. The verse provides a paradigm for faith in the face of overwhelming odds, encouraging believers to confront adversity not with despair, but with a confident declaration of God's superior power. It anticipates the New Testament understanding of spiritual warfare, where believers overcome not by their own might, but by the authority of Christ's name.

* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Psalm 18:29](/psalms/18-29 "Psalm 18:29 - God Enables Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:11 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—be they personal struggles like chronic illness or financial distress, spiritual attacks that threaten to overwhelm faith, relational conflicts that feel like a siege, or societal pressures that seek to compromise convictions—this verse powerfully reminds us where our true strength and ultimate victory lie. It is a call to proactive faith: rather than succumbing to fear, anxiety, or despair when "compassed about," we are invited to declare God's sovereign power and authority over our circumstances. Our triumph is not contingent upon our own abilities, resources, or cleverness, but upon the omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness of God, invoked through reliance on His very character and presence. The psalmist's steadfastness amidst intense pressure challenges us to cultivate a similar resolute trust, knowing that with God, no opposition is too great to overcome. This verse empowers us to face our "enemies"—whether literal or metaphorical—with the confident assurance that victory is secured "in the name of the LORD."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "enemies" or "circumstances" that currently "compass you about," making you feel overwhelmed or surrounded?**
* **How does the psalmist's declaration of faith, "in the name of the LORD I will destroy them," challenge your natural inclination to despair or rely on your own strength?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to act or declare victory "in the name of the LORD" in your current struggles?**
* **In what specific ways can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's character and power when facing adversity, rather than focusing on the magnitude of the threat?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "destroy them" in the context of this psalm, and is it always a call to literal violence?**

Answer: The phrase "I will destroy them" (אמילם, _'amilam_) signifies a decisive and complete victory over the adversaries. While the immediate historical context for the psalmist might have involved literal military threats or national enemies, the spiritual and theological application extends beyond physical violence. In a broader sense, it refers to the complete neutralization of any threat—whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial—that seeks to overwhelm God's people. For the New Testament believer, this concept is often understood in terms of spiritual warfare, where the "enemies" are not primarily flesh and blood but spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The "destruction" then refers to God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, and the believer's participation in that victory through Christ. It is a declaration of God's assured vindication and the ultimate defeat of all that opposes His righteous will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration of victory "in the name of the LORD" foreshadows Christ's absolute triumph over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Jesus, as the incarnate "LORD," perfectly embodies the power and authority invoked by the psalmist. He was indeed "compassed about" by enemies—the religious authorities, the Roman state, and ultimately, the spiritual forces of darkness that sought to destroy Him on the cross. Yet, it was precisely through His crucifixion and resurrection that He decisively "destroyed" them. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities") declares that Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death") further explains that through His death, Jesus destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil," and delivered those who were held in slavery by the fear of death. The victory the psalmist anticipated "in the name of the LORD" is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who now holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Believers, united with Christ, share in this victory, empowered to overcome all opposition not by their own strength, but by the authority of His name, which is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.