Psalms 118:27
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֤ל׀
God
H410
אֵ֤ל׀
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יְהוָה֮
is the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֮
is the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּ֪אֶ֫ר
which hath shewed us light
H215
וַיָּ֪אֶ֫ר
which hath shewed us light
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
3 of 10
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
אִסְרוּ
bind
H631
אִסְרוּ
bind
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
5 of 10
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
בַּעֲבֹתִ֑ים
with cords
H5688
בַּעֲבֹתִ֑ים
with cords
Strong's:
H5688
Word #:
7 of 10
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Psalms 18:28For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Esther 8:16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.1 Kings 18:39And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.Isaiah 9:2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.Psalms 37:6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Historical Context
The altar had four horns at its corners where blood was applied (Exodus 29:12, Leviticus 4:7). The most holy sacrifices were offered there. This psalm's liturgy accompanied festivalprocessions bringing sacrifices. The emphasis on light connects to Tabernacles' lamp-lighting ceremony, when Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God showing light connect to Christ as "light of the world" who reveals God?
- What does it mean to bind yourself to God's altar as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)?
- How do the altar's horns (representing power/strength) relate to Christ's sacrifice empowering salvation?
Analysis & Commentary
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light (אֵל יְהוָה וַיָּאֶר לָנוּ, El YHWH vayyaer lanu)—El means God, mighty one; or means light, illumination. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar (אִסְרוּ־חַג בַּעֲבֹתִים עַד־קַרְנוֹת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, isru-chag ba'avotim ad-karnot hamizbe'ach)—Asar means bind, tie; chag means festival sacrifice; keren means horn (the corners of the altar); mizbe'ach means altar.
This verse is complex. "God is the LORD" uses both El and YHWH, emphasizing divine identity. "Shewed us light" means revelation, guidance, salvation (Psalm 27:1). The command to bind the sacrifice may refer to tying animals securely for slaughter, or symbolically binding oneself to the altar in dedication. Christians see Christ as the ultimate sacrifice bound to the altar-cross, illuminating humanity with salvation's light.