Psalms 118:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:23
23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 118:23
23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Analysis
"This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." The declaration me'et YHWH haytah zot (from the LORD this has come) attributes the rejected stone becoming cornerstone entirely to divine action. Me'et (from) indicates source, origin. The human builders didn't recognize the stone's value; God's sovereign choice made it chief cornerstone. "It is marvellous in our eyes"—hi nifla'ah b'eineinu (it is wonderful/marvelous in our eyes). Pala (wonderful/marvelous) describes what exceeds normal expectation, inspires wonder, reveals divine power. What seemed impossible or foolish to humans proves wise and powerful by God's design (1 Corinthians 1:25-29). God's ways consistently confound human wisdom—choosing weak to shame strong, foolish to shame wise, despised to nullify esteemed.
Historical Context
Throughout redemptive history, God chose unlikely people and methods: Abraham (aged, childless) to father multitudes; Moses (speech impediment) as spokesman; Gideon (smallest clan, least in family) as deliverer; David (youngest shepherd) as king; virgin birth, stable delivery, cross execution as salvation means. Human logic rejects such methods. Religious leaders rejected Jesus for unconventional teaching, association with sinners, violation of traditions, claim to divine authority. Romans found crucified messiah absurd (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet God's "foolishness" proved wiser than human wisdom. Church history shows similar pattern—revivals often spring from unexpected places, through unlikely people.
Reflection
- What aspects of God's redemptive plan seem "marvellous" (unexpected, counterintuitive) to human thinking?
- How does recognizing salvation as entirely "the LORD's doing" affect personal pride or despair?
- In what current situations might God be doing something marvellous that you're tempted to dismiss?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord