Psalms 118:14
The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Original Language Analysis
עָזִּ֣י
is my strength
H5797
עָזִּ֣י
is my strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
1 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
Cross References
Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Psalms 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.Psalms 27:1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Isaiah 45:17But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
Historical Context
Exodus 15's Song of the Sea celebrated Israel's greatest deliverance—escape from Egyptian slavery through Red Sea crossing. Moses led Israel in singing this hymn after Pharaoh's army drowned (Exodus 14-15). The song became paradigmatic for all subsequent deliverances. Israel regularly recited exodus story in worship (Deuteronomy 26:5-9, Psalms 78, 105, 106, 135, 136). The New Testament sees exodus as type of salvation in Christ—deliverance from sin's slavery, passing through baptism, heading to heavenly Canaan (1 Corinthians 10:1-4, Hebrews 3-4). Revelation depicts redeemed saints singing "the song of Moses...and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How has God been both your "strength" (enabling action) and your "song" (theme of praise)?
- In what ways does understanding salvation as God "becoming" our Savior deepen appreciation of divine involvement?
- How does viewing your deliverance through the lens of exodus deepen your understanding of God's redemptive pattern?
Analysis & Commentary
"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." This verbatim quotation from Exodus 15:2 (Moses's song after Red Sea deliverance) applies Exodus typology to the psalmist's experience. Azi v'zimrat Yah (my strength and song is Yah) combines power and praise. Oz (strength) indicates might, power enabling action. Zimrat (song) denotes music, melody, praise—God becomes both the power for victory and the theme of celebratory song. "Is become my salvation"—vay'hi li lishu'ah (and He has become to me salvation). Yeshuah (salvation) means deliverance, rescue, victory—used later in Jesus's name (Yeshua). The verb hayah (become) indicates transformation—God didn't remain distant but became personally involved as Savior. This links exodus deliverance (past), present experience, and ultimate salvation.