Psalms 118:25

KJV

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {H3467} now, I beseech {H577} thee, O LORD {H3068}: O LORD {H3068}, I beseech {H577} thee, send now prosperity {H6743}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please, ADONAI! Save us! Please, ADONAI! Rescue us!

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!

American Standard Version

Save now, we beseech thee, O Jehovah: O Jehovah, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:25 encapsulates a fervent and urgent double plea to the sovereign God for immediate divine intervention, crying out for both salvation from present distress and the bestowal of holistic prosperity. This deeply rooted petition, uttered amidst a psalm of thanksgiving and messianic expectation, reflects a profound dependence on the Lord's power to deliver and to bless, anticipating His active involvement in the lives of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 stands as the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection sung during significant Jewish feasts such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. It is a triumphant hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness in delivering His people from adversity. Verse 25 is strategically placed within a section that moves from the declaration of God's steadfast love and the triumphant assertion of "the stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner" ([Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Rejected Cornerstone")) to the blessing of "he that cometh in the name of the LORD" ([Psalms 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalms 118:26 - Blessed is He Who Comes")). This immediate literary context suggests that the urgent plea for salvation and prosperity in verse 25 is not a cry of despair, but rather a fervent petition arising from a place of confident expectation in God's redemptive work, perhaps even a prayer for the full realization of the messianic hope foreshadowed in the preceding verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalm 118 is not specified, its themes resonate with various moments of national deliverance and celebration in Israel's history, such as the dedication of the Second Temple or a significant military victory. The psalm’s use in the Hallel during major festivals like Passover and Tabernacles imbued it with deep communal significance. The repeated cry "Save now!" (Hosanna) was not merely an individual's prayer but likely a liturgical acclamation, a fervent plea uttered by the congregation during processions or worship, particularly as they approached the temple gates. The request for "prosperity" (Hebrew: _hatzlichah_) would have encompassed not just material wealth, but a holistic sense of well-being, success in endeavors, peace, security, and divine favor for the nation and its people, reflecting the covenant blessings promised by God in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 118:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Urgent Divine Deliverance**, highlighting the immediate and desperate need for God's intervention in times of distress, a motif prevalent throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalms 3:7 - Arise, O Lord!")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Complete Dependence on God's Sovereignty**, acknowledging that true salvation and holistic prosperity come solely from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that human efforts are insufficient without divine enablement. Thirdly, the verse, particularly through its "Hosanna" cry, powerfully foreshadows the **Messianic Hope**. As the psalm culminates in the arrival of "he that cometh in the name of the LORD" ([Psalms 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalms 118:26 - Blessed is He Who Comes")), the plea for salvation becomes a yearning for the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who embodies God's salvation and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Save now (Hebrew, _hoshia'na'_):** This is a compound imperative verb from the root יָשַׁע (yasha', "to save, deliver") combined with the emphatic particle נָא (na', "please, now, I pray thee"). It is a fervent, urgent plea for immediate salvation or deliverance. This specific form is the direct linguistic ancestor of the Greek word "Hosanna" (ὡσαννά), which gained immense significance in the New Testament. It signifies a cry for help, a desperate appeal for God to act decisively and without delay.
* **I beseech thee (Hebrew, _'anna'_):** This interjection is an emphatic particle of entreaty or supplication, often translated as "I pray thee," "please," or "now." Its repetition in the verse ("O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee") intensifies the earnestness and humility of the petitioner, underscoring the deep desire for God to hear and respond to the plea. It conveys a sense of respectful urgency and dependence.
* **Prosperity (Hebrew, _hatzlichah'_):** Derived from the verb צָלַח (tsalach, "to prosper, succeed, advance, make progress"), this word denotes more than mere material wealth. It encompasses holistic well-being, success in one's undertakings, favorable outcomes, and divine enablement for flourishing in all aspects of life. It implies God's blessing leading to a thriving state, both individually and communally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save now":** This opening imperative is a direct, urgent cry for immediate deliverance. It reflects a present distress and a desperate need for God's intervention, emphasizing the immediacy and necessity of His saving power. It is the core of the "Hosanna" cry.
* **"I beseech thee, O LORD":** This phrase, repeated for emphasis, highlights the petitioner's humble yet fervent appeal to the sovereign God. The repetition underscores the earnestness of the prayer and the complete reliance on the Lord's mercy and power. It is a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.
* **"O LORD, I beseech thee":** The repetition of the address to "O LORD" followed by the plea for entreaty amplifies the intensity and sincerity of the prayer. It demonstrates a sustained, focused, and deeply personal appeal to God, reinforcing the profound dependence on His divine will and action.
* **"send now prosperity":** This second imperative plea expands the scope of the request beyond mere deliverance from danger to a petition for holistic flourishing. It asks for God's active blessing to bring about success, well-being, and favorable outcomes in all areas of life, signifying a desire for God's comprehensive favor to be manifested immediately.

#### Literary Devices
The literary richness of Psalms 118:25 is evident through several key devices. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "I beseech thee, O LORD" and the double imperative "Save now... send now," which powerfully emphasizes the urgency, sincerity, and intensity of the prayer. This repetition creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality, suitable for a liturgical setting. The predominant use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Save now," "send now") transforms the verse into a direct, forceful command or plea to God, reflecting the petitioner's confident expectation that God hears and acts. There is also a subtle form of **Parallelism**, where the two distinct but related petitions—for salvation and for prosperity—are joined, indicating a comprehensive desire for God's blessings. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Liturgical Acclamation**, a communal cry that would have been uttered by worshipers, transforming a personal plea into a collective expression of faith and dependence, particularly in the context of temple worship or celebratory processions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:25 stands as a profound theological statement on humanity's absolute dependence on divine initiative for both deliverance and flourishing. The urgent cry "Save now!" (Hosanna) articulates a fundamental human need for salvation from all forms of distress—physical, spiritual, and existential—and implicitly acknowledges God as the sole source of such deliverance. The subsequent plea for "prosperity" extends this dependence to every facet of life, recognizing that true well-being, success, and peace are not products of human effort alone but are gifts of God's benevolent hand. This verse thus affirms God's comprehensive sovereignty over all circumstances and His willingness to respond to the earnest prayers of His people, embodying a deep trust in His covenant faithfulness. It bridges the gap between immediate human need and the ultimate divine provision, pointing towards a God who is both immanently present in times of trouble and transcendentally powerful to bring about holistic blessing.

* [Psalms 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalms 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord")
* [Jonah 2:9](/jonah/2-9 "Jonah 2:9 - Salvation is of the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:25 offers a timeless model for prayer, inviting believers to approach God with both urgency and humility in every circumstance. It reminds us that our cries for "salvation" are not limited to spiritual deliverance from sin, but extend to every area where we need God's intervention—whether it be in times of physical danger, emotional distress, financial hardship, or spiritual struggle. Similarly, the request for "prosperity" encourages us to seek God's holistic blessing, not merely for personal gain, but for flourishing that enables us to fulfill His purposes and be a blessing to others. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep, active dependence on God, acknowledging that true success and well-being are ultimately sourced in His divine favor. It calls us to pray boldly, believing that the same God who heard the ancient cries of "Hosanna" is attentive to our petitions today, ready to save and to prosper according to His perfect will and timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most urgently need God's "salvation" or deliverance right now?**
* **How does understanding "prosperity" as holistic well-being, rather than just material wealth, change your prayers for success and blessing?**
* **How does the fervent and repeated nature of the plea in this verse inform your own approach to prayer?**
* **Considering the messianic context, how does knowing Jesus as the ultimate "Hosanna" (Salvation) deepen your trust in God's ability to save and prosper?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "Hosanna" and its connection to this verse?**

Answer: "Hosanna" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew phrase הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא (_hoshia'na_), which directly translates to "Save now!" or "Grant salvation, please!" It is the urgent, fervent plea found in [Psalms 118:25](/psalms/118-25 "Psalms 118:25 - Save Now!"). In the Old Testament, it was a cry for immediate deliverance, often used in liturgical settings during times of national need or celebration. Its significance exploded in the New Testament when crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David!" during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Hosanna to the Son of David")), recognizing Him as the promised Messiah and ultimate deliverer, the one who embodies God's salvation.

**Does "prosperity" in this verse only refer to material wealth?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word for "prosperity" (הַצְלִיחָה, _hatzlichah_) in [Psalms 118:25](/psalms/118-25 "Psalms 118:25 - Send Now Prosperity") encompasses a much broader meaning than just material wealth. While it can include financial well-being, its primary sense is holistic flourishing, success in one's endeavors, favorable outcomes, peace, security, and divine enablement in all aspects of life. It refers to God's blessing leading to a thriving state, where one's path is made successful by divine favor, aligning with the concept of _shalom_ (peace and wholeness) found throughout Scripture. This understanding aligns with passages like [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law for Prosperity") where prosperity is linked to obedience to God's word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "Save now!" (Hosanna) cry. When the crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David!" during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Hosanna to the Son of David")), they were unwittingly or knowingly echoing this ancient plea, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the one sent by God to bring ultimate salvation. Jesus is not merely a deliverer from temporary distress but the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering eternal salvation and reconciliation with God. Furthermore, the request for "prosperity" is fulfilled in Christ not primarily as material gain, but as spiritual flourishing and holistic well-being in the truest sense. Through His atoning work, believers receive the "true riches" of God's grace ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")), the peace that surpasses understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), and the promise of abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). He is the "cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")) upon whom all true prosperity, both spiritual and eternal, is built, ensuring that all who call upon His name receive the comprehensive salvation and blessing for which the psalmist yearned.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 90:17

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Psalms 20:9

Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Psalms 69:13

¶ But as for me, my prayer [is] unto thee, O LORD, [in] an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Psalms 69:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, [A Psalm] of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto [my] soul.