Psalms 118:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:14
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 118:14
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Analysis
"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." This verbatim quotation from Exodus 15:2 (Moses's song after Red Sea deliverance) applies Exodus typology to the psalmist's experience. Azi v'zimrat Yah (my strength and song is Yah) combines power and praise. Oz (strength) indicates might, power enabling action. Zimrat (song) denotes music, melody, praise—God becomes both the power for victory and the theme of celebratory song. "Is become my salvation"—vay'hi li lishu'ah (and He has become to me salvation). Yeshuah (salvation) means deliverance, rescue, victory—used later in Jesus's name (Yeshua). The verb hayah (become) indicates transformation—God didn't remain distant but became personally involved as Savior. This links exodus deliverance (past), present experience, and ultimate salvation.
Historical Context
Exodus 15's Song of the Sea celebrated Israel's greatest deliverance—escape from Egyptian slavery through Red Sea crossing. Moses led Israel in singing this hymn after Pharaoh's army drowned (Exodus 14-15). The song became paradigmatic for all subsequent deliverances. Israel regularly recited exodus story in worship (Deuteronomy 26:5-9, Psalms 78, 105, 106, 135, 136). The New Testament sees exodus as type of salvation in Christ—deliverance from sin's slavery, passing through baptism, heading to heavenly Canaan (1 Corinthians 10:1-4, Hebrews 3-4). Revelation depicts redeemed saints singing "the song of Moses...and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).
Reflection
- How has God been both your "strength" (enabling action) and your "song" (theme of praise)?
- In what ways does understanding salvation as God "becoming" our Savior deepen appreciation of divine involvement?
- How does viewing your deliverance through the lens of exodus deepen your understanding of God's redemptive pattern?
Word Studies
- Salvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) H3444 - Salvation, deliverance
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 18:2, 27:1, Isaiah 12:2, 45:17