Psalms 118:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:10
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 118:10
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
Analysis
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. The psalmist describes military siege using kol goyim s'vavuni (all nations surrounded me). S'vavuni (surrounded/compassed) pictures encirclement, military besiegement—enemies on every side with no visible escape. Kol goyim (all nations) uses rhetorical hyperbole common in Psalms, emphasizing overwhelming odds: not one enemy but many, not local opponents but international coalition.
The confident response: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them (b'shem YHWH ki amilam). B'shem YHWH (in the name of the LORD) invokes divine authority, covenant promises, God's revealed character. The battle is fought not through superior military force but through calling on God's name. Amilam (I will cut them off/destroy them) uses language of decisive victory. This echoes David confronting Goliath: "Thou comest to me with a sword...but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts" (1 Samuel 17:45). Victory comes not through human strength but covenant invocation of God's powerful name.
Historical Context
Israel faced constant military threats from surrounding nations: Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Arameans, Assyrians, Babylonians. Yet Israel's survival never depended on military superiority but divine intervention. When trusting God, small forces defeated vast armies (Joshua 10:42, Judges 7:2-8, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30). The phrase "in the name of the LORD" appears at crucial moments: David versus Goliath, Hezekiah facing Assyria's siege (2 Kings 19:31-37), Jehoshaphat's prayer before battle (2 Chronicles 20:9). This pattern continues in spiritual warfare: believers overcome Satan "by the blood of the Lamb" and faithful testimony (Revelation 12:11), and cast out demons "in Jesus's name" (Mark 16:17, Acts 16:18).
Reflection
- What 'nations' (overwhelming opposition forces) currently surround you, and how does invoking God's name provide victory?
- How does fighting 'in the name of the LORD' differ from presumptuous claim of divine endorsement for personal agendas?
- In what ways does New Testament spiritual warfare parallel Old Testament physical battles fought 'in the LORD's name'?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 88:17