Psalms 118:14

Psalm 118:14 (KJV) declares, "The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation." This powerful verse encapsulates a profound confession of faith, joy, and gratitude, identifying God as the sole source of the psalmist's ability, triumph, and reason for praise.

Context

Psalm 118 is part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely recited by a king or the nation of Israel after experiencing a great deliverance from formidable enemies or a challenging situation. The preceding verses often depict a state of distress and encirclement by adversaries, making the declaration of God as "strength, song, and salvation" a triumphant acknowledgment of divine intervention and victory. This psalm is also highly significant Messianically, particularly in verses like Psalm 118:22-23, which Jesus Himself applied to His rejection and resurrection.

Key Themes

• Divine Empowerment: The phrase "The LORD is my strength" highlights God as the ultimate source of power and resilience. It signifies that any ability to endure, overcome, or succeed comes directly from Him, not from human might or resources.
• Joy in Deliverance: "And song" indicates that God is the very reason for the psalmist's joy, praise, and celebration. It speaks of the spontaneous eruption of worship that follows a divine rescue, transforming fear and sorrow into melody and gladness. This echoes a similar declaration found in the song of Moses after the Red Sea crossing.
• God as Savior: "And is become my salvation" emphasizes that God Himself is the deliverer and the very act of deliverance. It's not just that God gives salvation, but that He is the salvation. This points to God's active and personal involvement in rescuing His people from peril.
• Complete Dependence and Gratitude: The verse is a testament to the psalmist's complete reliance on God and expresses profound gratitude for His saving work. It encourages believers to look to God alone for help and to praise Him for every victory.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "strength" is 'oz (עוז), conveying might, power, and a fortified place or refuge.
• "Song" comes from zimrah (זמרה), which refers to a melody or a song of praise, often specifically a song of triumph or deliverance. It's the reason for singing.
• "Salvation" is yeshua (ישועה), a rich Hebrew term meaning deliverance, rescue, victory, or well-being. This is the same root from which the name Jesus (Yeshua) derives, literally meaning "the LORD saves." The past tense "is become" (or "has become") signifies a completed act of deliverance, reinforcing God's faithfulness. This concept of God as salvation is also seen in Isaiah 12:2.

Practical Application

Psalm 118:14 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. When facing challenges, weakness, or fear, we can find comfort and courage in knowing that the LORD is our ultimate strength. Even in the midst of trials, His presence and promise of deliverance provide a reason for joy and praise, transforming our lament into a song of hope. This verse calls us to place our complete trust in God for our spiritual and physical well-being, acknowledging that true salvation and lasting victory come only through Him. It encourages a life of worship and thanksgiving, recognizing God's active and personal role in every aspect of our lives.