Psalms 118:21 - Summary and Interpretation

Psalms 118:21 states, "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." This verse emphasizes thanksgiving and recognition of God’s intervention and salvation. Below is a detailed explanation of its meaning, gathered from various public domain commentaries.

Meaning and Insights

This passage can be seen as a heartfelt response to divine deliverance. The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s attentive response to prayers and declares God as his salvation. Let us explore the interpretations and insights provided by renowned biblical commentators.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry explains that this verse is a proclamation of praise. He emphasizes that the psalmist acknowledges the grace of God in listening to prayers and in delivering him from distress. The act of praising God is not only an expression of gratitude but also an affirmation of the believer’s faith and hope. Henry highlights the personal aspect of salvation, reminding us that it is God who acts to save us from our troubles.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes elucidates that the phrase "thou hast heard me" reflects an intimate relationship between the believer and God. This relationship is characterized by communication and responsiveness. Barnes points out that this verse is not merely about physical salvation but encompasses spiritual deliverance, indicating that God’s salvation involves both temporal and eternal aspects. He connects this verse to the broader theme of praise found throughout the Psalms.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Adam Clarke adds that the phrase "art become my salvation" signifies a transformation in the psalmist's conditions through divine intervention. Clarke argues that this not only refers to a single instance of salvation but suggests an ongoing relationship where God continually acts as a source of salvation. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s role in our lives, stating that believers must persist in acknowledging God's goodness and deliverance.

Cross-References and Thematic Connections

Psalms 118:21 can be linked to several other Scripture passages that echo its themes of praise and salvation. Below are some relevant cross-references:

• Psalms 40:1-3 - Expresses similar themes of waiting on the Lord and praising Him for deliverance.
• Psalms 95:1-3 - Calls for joyful singing and praise to God, reinforcing the themes in Psalms 118:21.
• Isaiah 12:2 - Proclaims that God is salvation and encourages praise for His mighty works.
• Psalm 54:6 - Highlights thanksgiving in response to divine help.
• Romans 10:13 - Speaks of calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation, bridging the Old Testament with the New.
• 1 Peter 2:9 - Refers to believers as a chosen generation, called to proclaim His praises.
• John 3:16 - Illustrates the ultimate salvation provided through Jesus Christ.
• Philippians 4:4 - Encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, a response reflective of the psalmist’s praises.
• Hebrews 2:10 - Discusses Jesus as the author of salvation, linking back to the concept of divine deliverance.
• Matthew 1:21 - Speaks of Jesus being named for His role in salvation, connecting directly with the themes of Psalms 118:21.

Conclusion and Application

The verse Psalms 118:21 serves as a powerful reminder to praise God for His attentive and saving nature. By examining this verse in light of various commentaries and its thematic connections within Scripture, we see the call to express gratitude and to recognize God as our constant source of salvation. Believers are encouraged to utilize tools for Bible cross-referencing to discover the deep and rich connections between this verse and others. Understanding these links can enhance our study of the Bible and deepen our worship and faith.

Resources for Further Study

For those looking to delve deeper into the study of Psalms 118:21 and its connections to the rest of Scripture, consider utilizing:

• Bible concordance for locating cross-references.
• Bible cross-reference guide for thematic studies.
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials to explore inter-Biblical dialogue.
• Cross-reference Bible study methods for analyzing similarities and parallels in Scriptures.

In understanding Psalms 118:21, we gain not only insight into the power of God’s deliverance, but also an appreciation for the interconnectedness of Scripture, enhancing our overall understanding of biblical themes through thoughtful cross-referencing.