Psalms 118:15
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Victory celebrations were central to Israelite culture following military triumph. Miriam led women in dancing and singing after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21). David and Israel celebrated Goliath's defeat with singing (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise God before battle, and they returned with joy after victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-28). Temple worship included celebratory psalms recounting God's mighty acts (Psalms 105-106, 135-136). The 'tabernacles' (tents) may reference the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), Israel's most joyous festival, celebrated in temporary booths commemorating wilderness wandering and God's provision. The New Testament shows similar patterns: angels announced Christ's birth with joyful proclamation (Luke 2:13-14), early Christians gathered in homes for joyful fellowship (Acts 2:46-47), and heaven resounds with victory songs (Revelation 5:9-14, 15:2-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate celebration of God's deliverance ('in the tabernacles') strengthen individual faith and community witness?
- In what specific ways has God's 'right hand' done valiantly in your life, providing salvation and deliverance worth celebrating?
- How can believers cultivate joyful, public testimony to God's mighty acts rather than privatizing praise?
Analysis & Commentary
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. This verse transitions from battle narrative to victory celebration. Kol rinah vishu'ah b'aholei tzadikim (voice of ringing cry and salvation in tents of the righteous). Rinah (ringing cry/shout) describes loud jubilation, celebratory shouting, triumphant praise—not quiet private thanks but public, exuberant victory celebration. Yeshu'ah (salvation) indicates deliverance, victory, rescue—the same root as Jesus's name (Yeshua). Aholei tzadikim (tents/dwellings of the righteous) suggests both individual households and corporate worship spaces where God's people gather.
The cause of celebration: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly (y'min YHWH osah chayil). Y'min (right hand) symbolizes power, strength, active intervention—God's mighty arm accomplishing deliverance. Osah chayil (does valiantly) means acts with strength, accomplishes mighty deeds, displays power. Verse 16 repeats this twice more, creating threefold emphasis on God's powerful right hand. This imagery pervades Scripture: God's right hand saved Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:6, 12), supports the righteous (Psalm 18:35), holds believers secure (Psalm 63:8), and seats Christ in exaltation (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:3).