Psalms 116:19

Authorized King James Version

In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּחַצְר֤וֹת׀

H2691

In the courts

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בֵּ֤ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּֽת֘וֹכֵ֤כִי

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם

H3389

of thee O Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הַֽלְלוּ

H1984

Praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

יָֽהּ׃

H3050

ye the LORD

jah, the sacred name

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 116 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?