Psalms 118:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:27
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, prayer. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 118:27
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Analysis
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light (אֵל יְהוָה וַיָּאֶר לָנוּ, El YHWH vayyaer lanu)—El means God, mighty one; or means light, illumination. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar (אִסְרוּ־חַג בַּעֲבֹתִים עַד־קַרְנוֹת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, isru-chag ba'avotim ad-karnot hamizbe'ach)—Asar means bind, tie; chag means festival sacrifice; keren means horn (the corners of the altar); mizbe'ach means altar.
This verse is complex. "God is the LORD" uses both El and YHWH, emphasizing divine identity. "Shewed us light" means revelation, guidance, salvation (Psalm 27:1). The command to bind the sacrifice may refer to tying animals securely for slaughter, or symbolically binding oneself to the altar in dedication. Christians see Christ as the ultimate sacrifice bound to the altar-cross, illuminating humanity with salvation's light.
Historical Context
The altar had four horns at its corners where blood was applied (Exodus 29:12, Leviticus 4:7). The most holy sacrifices were offered there. This psalm's liturgy accompanied festivalprocessions bringing sacrifices. The emphasis on light connects to Tabernacles' lamp-lighting ceremony, when Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Reflection
- How does God showing light connect to Christ as "light of the world" who reveals God?
- What does it mean to bind yourself to God's altar as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)?
- How do the altar's horns (representing power/strength) relate to Christ's sacrifice empowering salvation?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Kings 18:21, 18:39
- Light: Psalms 18:28, 37:6, Esther 8:16, Isaiah 9:2, 60:1, John 8:12
- Parallel theme: Malachi 4:2