Psalms 118:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:28
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
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 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 118:28
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
Analysis
Thou art my God, and I will praise thee (אֵלִי אַתָּה וְאוֹדֶךָּ, Eli attah ve-odekka)—Eli means my God; yadah means praise, give thanks. Thou art my God, I will exalt thee (אֱלֹהַי אֲרוֹמְמֶךָּ, Elohai aromemekka)—Rum means exalt, lift up, extol.
The repetition ("my God... my God") emphasizes personal covenant relationship. This isn't theological abstraction but intimate confession: "You are MINE, and I am YOURS." The dual response (praise and exalt) shows proper human response to divine revelation. Throughout Psalm 118, communal liturgy becomes intensely personal. Isaiah 25:1 uses similar language: "O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name."
Historical Context
Personal relationship with God was revolutionary in the ancient world, where deities were typically distant, capricious, and appeased through ritual. Israel's covenant made YHWH "my God" individually and "our God" corporately. The NT extends this through Christ, making God "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6).
Reflection
- How does confessing God as "my God" (personal) differ from "the God" (abstract)?
- What would it look like to move from doctrinal affirmation to personal praise and exaltation?
- How do praise and exaltation differ, and why does this verse include both?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 146:2, Isaiah 25:1
- References God: Psalms 145:1, Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 12:2, 25:9