Psalms 108:6
That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
Original Language Analysis
לְ֭מַעַן
H4616
לְ֭מַעַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יֵחָלְצ֣וּן
may be delivered
H2502
יֵחָלְצ֣וּן
may be delivered
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
2 of 6
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה
save
H3467
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה
save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Deuteronomy 33:12And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Isaiah 65:24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.Psalms 54:1Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.Jeremiah 33:3Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.1 Kings 18:29And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
Historical Context
Israel as "God's beloved" appears throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 33:12, Psalm 60:5, 127:2, Isaiah 5:1). The exodus demonstrated God's love: "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt" (Hosea 11:1). Yet Israel repeatedly proved unfaithful, prompting the question: will God abandon His beloved? No—"I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). The exile tested this claim, but restoration proved God's enduring love. Christians are similarly "beloved" (Romans 1:7, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4), not by merit but by divine election and grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as God's "beloved" affect your confidence in prayer?
- What is the connection between personal petition ("answer me") and corporate concern ("that your beloved may be delivered")?
- How does God's "right hand" symbolize His powerful saving action in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
"That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me." The appeal lema'an yechaltzun yedidekha (in order that may be delivered your beloved ones) grounds petition in God's love for His people. Chalatz (deliver/rescue) means to draw out, snatch away from danger. Yedid (beloved) indicates those loved, favored by God—His covenant people. "Save with thy right hand"—hoshi'ah yeminekha (save with your right hand). Yamin (right hand) symbolizes power, strength, skill—God's mighty saving action. Va'aneni (and answer me) requests divine response. The plea is personal ("answer me") but grounded in corporate concern ("that your beloved may be delivered"). Individual and communal welfare intertwine—God's people aren't isolated individuals but members of covenant community.