Psalms 118:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:16
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 118:16
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Analysis
The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. This verse intensifies verse 15's celebration through repetition. Y'min YHWH romemah (the right hand of the LORD is exalted/lifted high). Romemah (exalted/raised high) pictures victory gesture—warrior's arm lifted in triumph, standard raised high, victor acclaimed and honored. God's powerful intervention deserves public exaltation, visible recognition, corporate acclaim. The phrase appears twice in three verses (vv. 15-16), creating liturgical rhythm suggesting antiphonal worship—one group declaring God's right hand is exalted, another responding that it does valiantly.
The threefold repetition (vv. 15-16) of "the right hand of the LORD" emphasizes divine agency. Victory isn't attributed to human strategy, military superiority, or political maneuvering but solely to God's mighty arm. This recalls Moses's song: "Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy" (Exodus 15:6). The pattern continues: God's right hand saved David (Psalm 138:7), vindicates the oppressed (Psalm 139:10), holds believers secure (Isaiah 41:10). Ultimately, Christ sits at God's right hand in exaltation (Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33-34, Hebrews 1:3, 13), defeating sin, death, and Satan.
Historical Context
Right-hand imagery pervaded ancient Near Eastern royal and military iconography. Kings sat at the right hand of deity in victory reliefs; warriors fought with right-hand weapons; right-hand position signified honor and authority. God's 'right hand' became metaphor for His active, saving power throughout redemptive history: delivering Israel from Egypt, conquering Canaan, defeating enemies in Judges, establishing David's throne, preserving Judah through Assyrian siege, restoring exiles from Babylon. The early church saw Christ's ascension to God's right hand as ultimate fulfillment (Acts 2:32-36, 5:31, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 10:12). Stephen saw Christ standing at God's right hand before his martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56). This position guarantees believers' security: "because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8).
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'exalt' God's right hand through worship, testimony, and daily living?
- How does the threefold repetition teach the importance of corporate, repeated declaration of God's mighty acts?
- In what ways does Christ's position at God's right hand guarantee believers' present security and future vindication?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 15:6