Psalms 118:16

Study note

Setting — The psalmist addresses the gathered community, echoing the shouts of joy and salvation already resounding in the tents of the righteous. This declaration occurs immediately after the communal cry in verse 15 and directly precedes the psalmist's personal vow to live and proclaim God's acts in verse 17.

The words — רוֹמֵמָה (ro.me.Mah) literally means "is exalted" or "is lifted up," modifying יְמִין (ye.Min), "right hand," to indicate elevated divine authority. עֹשֶׂה חַיִל ('O.sah Cha.yil) translates to "does strength" or "performs with valor," describing active, mighty intervention.

The thread — The imagery of God's right hand as the instrument of victory appears in Exodus 15:6, where it is majestic in power and shatters the enemy. The connection between divine power and enduring life aligns with Acts 2:32, which testifies to God raising Jesus to life.

Why it lands — The text requires the reader to attribute deliverance to God's active, exalted power rather than human capability. It demands a response of vocal proclamation that matches the reality of what God has already accomplished.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.