Psalms 131:3

Authorized King James Version

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Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

Original Language Analysis

יַחֵ֣ל hope H3176
יַחֵ֣ל hope
Strong's: H3176
Word #: 1 of 7
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל Let Israel H3478
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל Let Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 7
near, with or among; often in general, to
יְהוָ֑ה in the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה in the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה H6258
מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 5 of 7
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
וְעַד from henceforth and for H5704
וְעַד from henceforth and for
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 6 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָֽם׃ ever H5769
עוֹלָֽם׃ ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis & Commentary

Personal testimony becomes corporate exhortation: 'Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.' David's individual experience of humble contentment (vv. 1-2) becomes basis for calling all Israel to hope. The command 'let Israel hope' makes confident trust a duty for God's people. The word 'hope' (yachal) means to wait expectantly, trust confidently - same word used in Psalm 130:7. The temporal scope 'from henceforth and for ever' extends hope from present moment into eternity. Hope is not temporary expedient but permanent posture. The verse demonstrates that personal spiritual maturity should encourage corporate faith. David's humble trust becomes model for Israel's relationship with God. This ending transforms what could have been merely personal piety into communal exhortation, showing that individual faith affects and should strengthen the entire covenant community.

Historical Context

The pattern of personal testimony leading to corporate call appears throughout Songs of Ascents, reflecting their use in pilgrimage and communal worship. David's exhortation 'let Israel hope' parallels Psalm 130:7 exactly, suggesting these psalms were understood together as collection. The call to hope 'from henceforth and for ever' envisions multi-generational faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection