Psalms 118:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:25
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 118:25
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Analysis
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD (אָנָּא יְהוָה הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא, anna YHWH hoshi'ah na)—Anna means please, I pray; yasha means save, deliver. O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity (אָנָּא יְהוָה הַצְלִיחָה נָּא, anna YHWH hatzlichah na)—Tzalach means prosper, succeed, make prosperous.
"Hoshi'ah na" became "Hosanna" in Greek/English. The crowds shouted this when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10), recognizing him as the Davidic king who brings salvation. Psalm 118 is messianic throughout, quoted more in the NT than any other psalm except Psalm 110. The double petition (save/prosper) reflects liturgical usage—probably a antiphonal responsive reading during temple festivals.
Historical Context
Psalm 118 was sung during Passover and Tabernacles. The phrase "Hoshi'ah na" gave rise to the Hosanna liturgy, where pilgrims processing to the temple would wave palm branches and cry out for salvation. Jesus's triumphal entry deliberately fulfilled this imagery, claiming messianic identity.
Reflection
- How does understanding "Hosanna" as a prayer ("Save now!") rather than mere praise transform Palm Sunday?
- What does it mean to pray for both salvation (rescue) and prosperity (flourishing) together?
- How does Jesus fulfill the ultimate meaning of this verse as the one who saves and brings abundant life?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 20:9, 22:21, 69:1, 69:13
- References Lord: Psalms 90:17