Psalms 118:23
This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Throughout redemptive history, God chose unlikely people and methods: Abraham (aged, childless) to father multitudes; Moses (speech impediment) as spokesman; Gideon (smallest clan, least in family) as deliverer; David (youngest shepherd) as king; virgin birth, stable delivery, cross execution as salvation means. Human logic rejects such methods. Religious leaders rejected Jesus for unconventional teaching, association with sinners, violation of traditions, claim to divine authority. Romans found crucified messiah absurd (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet God's "foolishness" proved wiser than human wisdom. Church history shows similar pattern—revivals often spring from unexpected places, through unlikely people.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of God's redemptive plan seem "marvellous" (unexpected, counterintuitive) to human thinking?
- How does recognizing salvation as entirely "the LORD's doing" affect personal pride or despair?
- In what current situations might God be doing something marvellous that you're tempted to dismiss?
Analysis & Commentary
"This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." The declaration me'et YHWH haytah zot (from the LORD this has come) attributes the rejected stone becoming cornerstone entirely to divine action. Me'et (from) indicates source, origin. The human builders didn't recognize the stone's value; God's sovereign choice made it chief cornerstone. "It is marvellous in our eyes"—hi nifla'ah b'eineinu (it is wonderful/marvelous in our eyes). Pala (wonderful/marvelous) describes what exceeds normal expectation, inspires wonder, reveals divine power. What seemed impossible or foolish to humans proves wise and powerful by God's design (1 Corinthians 1:25-29). God's ways consistently confound human wisdom—choosing weak to shame strong, foolish to shame wise, despised to nullify esteemed.