Psalms 118:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:21
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 118:21
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
Analysis
I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The pilgrim enters and fulfills the vow to praise (v. 19). Odcha (I will praise you) uses the cohortative—determined, volitional thanksgiving. The reason follows: for thou hast heard me (ki anitani). Anah (answer/respond) indicates God's attentiveness to prayer. He doesn't merely hear as passive observer but responds as active deliverer. Past answered prayer motivates present praise.
The second reason: and art become my salvation (vat'hi li lishu'ah). Hayah (become) indicates transformation—God didn't remain distant but became personally involved as Savior. Lishu'ah (for salvation) uses the root appearing throughout the psalm: yeshu'ah (salvation, deliverance, victory). God's saving acts span both physical deliverance (from enemies, danger, death) and spiritual redemption (from sin, judgment, separation). The verse encapsulates thanksgiving's dual foundation: God hears (relational attentiveness) and God saves (powerful intervention). These two truths motivate all genuine praise—God listens when we cry and acts to deliver.
Historical Context
Israel's worship centered on recounting answered prayers and experienced salvations. The Passover liturgy retold exodus deliverance. Festival psalms recounted God's mighty acts (Psalms 105-106, 135-136). Individual testimonies of answered prayer strengthened corporate faith (Psalms 30, 34, 66, 107). Hannah's song celebrated answered prayer for a child (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Hezekiah's psalm thanked God for healing from terminal illness (Isaiah 38:9-20). The early church practiced public testimony of God's saving works (Acts 2:11, 4:20). Paul's letters overflow with thanksgiving for God's faithfulness (Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Philippians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2). Revelation depicts elders and living creatures continuously praising God for creation and redemption (Revelation 4:8-11, 5:9-14). Heaven's worship is ceaseless declaration of God's hearing prayers and accomplishing salvation.
Reflection
- How does recounting specific instances of answered prayer and experienced salvation deepen worship?
- What is the relationship between God 'hearing' (relational attentiveness) and 'becoming salvation' (active deliverance)?
- In what ways should believers cultivate habits of testimony—declaring how God has heard and saved?
Word Studies
- Salvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) H3444 - Salvation, deliverance
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 118:14, Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 12:2, 49:8
- Parallel theme: Psalms 116:1