Psalms 118:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:6
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, 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 118:6
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Analysis
"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" The confession YHWH li (the LORD for me/on my side) expresses covenant confidence—God as ally, advocate, defender. The result: lo ira (I will not fear). Fear dissipates when God's presence is assured. The rhetorical question mah ya'aseh li adam (what can man do to me?) deflates human threat. Adam (man/humanity) represents human opposition—whether armies, authorities, or adversaries. Compared to YHWH's power and commitment, human hostility becomes impotent. This echoes Moses's confidence: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) and David's defiance of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47). The verse doesn't deny human threats but relativizes them—with God as ally, no human enemy can ultimately prevail.
Historical Context
Israel faced constant military threats—Egyptians, Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, Assyrians, Babylonians. Yet Israel's survival depended not on military might but divine protection. When trusting God, small forces defeated large armies (Gideon: Judges 7, Jonathan: 1 Samuel 14). When relying on human alliances, even large forces failed (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3). David's victories flowed from covenant confidence (1 Samuel 17:37, 2 Samuel 22:1-51). Later martyrs demonstrated similar fearlessness: Daniel in the lions' den, three friends in the furnace, early Christians facing Roman persecution. Hebrews 13:6 quotes this verse, applying it to New Covenant believers.
Reflection
- In what specific situations do human threats tempt you to fear despite God's presence?
- How does regularly affirming "the LORD is on my side" reshape emotional responses to opposition?
- What is the difference between biblical fearlessness (trusting God despite danger) and foolish recklessness (presuming on God)?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 46:11, 146:5, Jeremiah 20:11, Hebrews 13:6
- Parallel theme: Psalms 23:4, 56:4, 56:9, 56:11, Isaiah 51:12, Romans 8:31