Psalms 118:7

KJV

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} taketh my part with them that help {H5826} me: therefore shall I see {H7200} my desire upon them that hate {H8130} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

With ADONAI on my side as my help, I will look with triumph at those who hate me.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is on my side among them that help me: Therefore shall I seemy desireupon them that hate me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:7 is a profound declaration of unwavering trust and confidence in the Lord's active and personal involvement in the life of the psalmist. It articulates a deep conviction that God not only stands as a formidable ally but also orchestrates and empowers human assistance, ensuring ultimate vindication and triumph over all adversaries. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's assured expectation of witnessing divine justice prevail against those who oppose God's purposes and His faithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 118 stands as the climactic psalm within the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally recited during Passover and other major Jewish festivals. This psalm is a vibrant song of thanksgiving, likely composed or adapted for a public celebration of national deliverance or a significant victory. Following expressions of profound distress and the Lord's miraculous rescue (e.g., [Psalms 118:5](/psalms/118-5 "Psalms 118:5 - Call to the Lord in Distress")), the psalmist shifts to a powerful affirmation of trust in God over human strength. Verses [Psalms 118:6-7](/psalms/118-6 "Psalms 118:6-7 - The Lord is on My Side") form a crucial pair, contrasting reliance on man with reliance on the Lord, with verse 7 specifically articulating the psalmist's absolute certainty in God's active partnership and the resulting vindication. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalms 118:8-9 - Trusting the Lord over Man")) further elaborate on this theme of divine reliability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Psalms 118 is deeply rooted in Israelite worship and national identity. The "Egyptian Hallel" tradition connects these psalms to the foundational narrative of the Exodus, a powerful testament to God's miraculous deliverance of His people from overwhelming oppression. This context imbues the psalmist's declaration with profound historical resonance, recalling God's consistent intervention on behalf of Israel. The "enemies" or "haters" could refer to foreign nations threatening Israel's sovereignty, internal factions opposing righteous leadership, or even generalized forces of evil and chaos. The concept of God "taking one's part" or being "for me" (as in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")) was a vital aspect of the covenant relationship, where Yahweh was understood as Israel's divine warrior and advocate, actively engaged in their battles and upholding their cause in the face of adversity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 118:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Central is the theme of **Divine Partnership and Support**, emphasizing God's unwavering and active championship of His people. The phrase "The LORD taketh my part" conveys a profound sense of God's personal advocacy and intimate involvement, not merely as a distant observer but as a committed ally who intervenes directly. This divine aid is further highlighted by its coordination "with them that help me," suggesting God's orchestration or empowerment of human assistance, though His direct involvement remains primary. Another crucial theme is **Vindication and Triumph**, where the psalmist's certainty of "seeing my desire upon them that hate me" speaks not to personal revenge, but to the assured manifestation of God's justice prevailing over those who oppose His righteous purposes and His chosen ones. This theme resonates with the broader biblical promise of ultimate justice and the triumph of good over evil, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise of Help and Strength"). Finally, the verse radiates **Unshakable Confidence**, demonstrating that despite facing formidable opposition, reliance on the Lord instills a profound assurance that transcends immediate circumstances, transforming fear into a bold and expectant faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **לִי (Hebrew, _li_):** This Hebrew preposition literally means "to me" or "for me." In the phrase "יהוה לִי" (YHWH _li_), it conveys a powerful sense of divine alliance and personal advocacy. It's not merely that the Lord helps, but that He is *on my side*, actively championing my cause, taking my part against adversaries. This emphasizes God's intimate and committed involvement in the psalmist's struggle, making Him a personal defender and ally.
* **עֹזְרָי (Hebrew, _‘ozray_):** Derived from the verb עָזַר (_‘azar_), meaning "to help" or "to aid," this word is a plural participle meaning "my helpers" or "those who help me." The psalmist acknowledges that God works *with* human agents, or perhaps that God *is* the ultimate helper among any human assistance. It highlights that even when human help is present, it is ultimately God who empowers and directs it, or that God's presence *with* human helpers makes their efforts effective.
* **אֶרְאֶה (Hebrew, _‘er’eh_):** This is the first common singular imperfect form of the verb רָאָה (_ra’ah_), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." The KJV's bracketed "my desire" is an interpretive addition, though it accurately captures the *outcome* of what the psalmist expects to see. More literally, it means "I shall see" or "I shall witness." The psalmist is confident that he will personally observe the manifestation of God's justice and vindication over his enemies, making the triumph a tangible and undeniable reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD taketh my part with them that help me":** This clause establishes the foundational premise of the psalmist's confidence: God's active, personal, and unwavering support. The phrase "taketh my part" (literally, "The LORD is for me") signifies a divine alliance, where the omnipotent Creator aligns Himself with the psalmist. The addition "with them that help me" does not diminish God's primary role but rather suggests that any human assistance is either empowered by God or that God's presence guarantees the effectiveness of such help. It underscores that the ultimate source of strength and victory is the Lord Himself, who actively intervenes on behalf of His faithful.
* **"therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me":** This second clause presents the direct and certain consequence of God's active involvement. Because the Lord is on the psalmist's side, the psalmist is absolutely confident that he will witness the defeat and vindication over his adversaries. The KJV's interpretive "my desire" clarifies that what the psalmist expects to see is not merely the destruction of enemies for its own sake, but the manifestation of God's justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It is a declaration of assured vindication, a public demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a cause-and-effect relationship, where God's active support ("The LORD taketh my part") directly leads to the psalmist's assured vindication ("therefore shall I see... upon them that hate me"). This structure reinforces the direct link between divine action and human experience of triumph. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism** in "The LORD taketh my part," portraying God in human-like terms as an ally who stands beside the psalmist in conflict, emphasizing His personal and relational involvement. The phrase "them that hate me" uses **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** to represent all forms of opposition and adversity, personal or national, that the psalmist faces. The overall tone is one of profound **Assurance** and **Triumphalism**, a confident declaration of victory rooted in faith rather than sight, which serves to inspire similar trust in the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:7 is a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His people. It affirms that the Lord is not a distant, passive deity but an intimately involved, personal champion who actively intervenes in the affairs of individuals and nations. This verse underscores the biblical theme of divine faithfulness, demonstrating that God hears the cries of His distressed servants and acts decisively to bring about their deliverance and vindication. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil, assuring believers that despite present opposition, God's justice will ultimately prevail. The psalmist's confidence serves as a model for all who face adversity, encouraging absolute trust in the Lord's protective hand and His ultimate plan for their good.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "The Lord Your God Fights For You")
* [Psalm 54:4](/psalms/54-4 "God is My Helper")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:7 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. In moments of overwhelming opposition, injustice, or personal struggle, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that the omnipotent Lord is not only aware of our plight but is actively engaged on our behalf. It calls us to shift our focus from the magnitude of our adversaries to the supremacy of our divine Ally. This passage fosters a spirit of bold faith, urging us to lean into God's strength rather than our own limited resources or the unreliable support of others. It cultivates patience and perseverance, assuring us that while vindication may not be immediate, God's perfect timing and methods will ultimately bring about His righteous will, allowing us to witness His triumph over all forms of adversity, whether spiritual or temporal. This confidence transforms fear into expectant hope, empowering us to stand firm in the face of hostility, knowing that our ultimate defender and champion is the Lord Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific area of your life do you currently need to experience God "taking your part" against an adversary or challenge?**
* **How does the assurance that "the LORD taketh my part" change your perspective on current difficulties or opposition?**
* **What does it mean practically to "see my desire upon them that hate me" in a Christ-like manner, focusing on God's justice and vindication rather than personal revenge?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, unshakable confidence in God's active involvement, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promise?**

### FAQ
**Does "my desire" in Psalms 118:7 imply a desire for revenge?**

Answer: While the KJV includes the bracketed "my desire," the original Hebrew more literally states, "I shall see upon them that hate me." This phrase, in its biblical context, is not primarily about personal revenge or a malicious desire for the suffering of enemies. Instead, it speaks to the psalmist's confident expectation of witnessing God's justice and vindication. In ancient Israel, the defeat of enemies was often seen as a public demonstration of God's righteousness and faithfulness to His covenant people. It signifies the triumph of God's purposes over those who oppose them, and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. The psalmist desires to see God's glory manifested through the defeat of unrighteous opposition, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God bringing justice to the oppressed and humbling the proud. This is a desire for divine order and righteousness to prevail, not personal retribution.

**Who are "them that help me" in this verse, and how does God "take their part"?**

Answer: "Them that help me" refers to any human allies, supporters, or resources that the psalmist might have had. However, the verse emphasizes that God is the primary agent, working *with* or *through* these human helpers. It's not that God merely joins human efforts, but rather that He is the ultimate source of strength and effectiveness for any assistance received. God "takes their part" by empowering them, guiding their actions, and ensuring that their efforts, when aligned with His will, contribute to the psalmist's ultimate deliverance. This highlights God's sovereign control, where even human agency is ultimately orchestrated or enabled by His divine hand. It reinforces the idea that while human support is welcome, true victory comes from the Lord's active involvement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration, "The LORD taketh my part," resonates deeply with the New Testament revelation of God's unwavering commitment to His Son and, by extension, to all who are "in Christ." Jesus, during His earthly ministry, faced unparalleled hatred and opposition from those who rejected His divine claims and redemptive mission. Yet, the Father consistently "took His part," empowering Him through the Spirit and ultimately raising Him from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is the supreme demonstration of God seeing "His desire" upon His enemies—death, sin, and Satan—triumphing over them decisively. As [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") declares, Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." For believers, being united with Christ means sharing in this divine partnership and ultimate victory. Just as God was "for" Christ, He is "for us" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God is For Us")), ensuring our ultimate vindication and triumph over spiritual adversaries through the power of His resurrection. Our confidence, like the psalmist's, is rooted not in our own strength or human alliances, but in the finished work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the ongoing advocacy of our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

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 59:10

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.

Psalms 54:4

¶ Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 54:7

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

Psalms 55:18

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me.

Psalms 92:11

Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies, [and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me.

Psalms 112:8

His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies.

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.