Meaning of Psalms 118:23

Psalm 118:23 is an exclamatory declaration of awe and recognition of divine intervention, asserting that a significant, perhaps miraculous, event or series of events has occurred, and its wondrous nature is evident to the observers. This verse functions as a concluding statement of praise within the psalm, reflecting a collective experience of deliverance or salvation. The "this" refers to a specific act of God that has brought about a profound and positive outcome for the psalmist and their community, leading to a shared sense of astonishment and gratitude. The marvel is not merely in the event itself, but in the divine agency behind it, highlighting God's power and faithfulness in answering prayer or fulfilling promises.

Context and Background

Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving, often associated with liturgical use, particularly during festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles or Passover. It recounts a narrative of deliverance from enemies or a perilous situation. The psalm begins with an invitation to thank the Lord because "he is good" and "his steadfast love endures forever" (v. 1). It progresses through descriptions of distress, pleas for help, and affirmations of God's aid. The latter part of the psalm, from verse 19 onwards, speaks of the opening of the "gates of righteousness" and the entrance of the righteous into the temple to offer praise. Verse 22, immediately preceding the one in question, states, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This imagery of a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone is crucial, suggesting a surprising and unexpected elevation of something deemed worthless. The context, therefore, is one of overcoming adversity and recognizing God's hand in turning a seemingly hopeless situation into a triumphant victory, often through means that defied human expectation.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are divine sovereignty, salvation, and astonishment at God's work. The verse emphasizes that the positive outcome is not due to human effort alone but is a direct act of the Lord. The word "marvelous" (Hebrew: palah) conveys a sense of wonder, uniqueness, and extraordinary power, suggesting something beyond ordinary human comprehension. It speaks to the experience of believers witnessing God's intervention in their lives and in history. The phrase "in our eyes" highlights the subjective experience and recognition of this divine action by the community of faith.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Psalm 118:23 calls believers to a posture of constant awareness and gratitude for God's interventions. It encourages a mindset that looks for God's hand in the everyday and the extraordinary. This verse reminds us that God works in ways that can surpass our understanding and expectations, often transforming what appears to be failure or defeat into victory. It fosters humility, as it acknowledges our dependence on God, and it cultivates faith, as it points to His unfailing power and love. The application is to actively discern and acknowledge God's hand in personal blessings, answered prayers, and the unfolding of His purposes, offering praise and wonder in response.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of redemption. From the liberation of Israel from Egypt, through the exile and return, to the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the Bible is replete with instances of God accomplishing the seemingly impossible. The imagery of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (v. 22) is particularly significant, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the religious leaders and builders but became the foundation of the church. The marvel described in 118:23 finds its grandest expression in the resurrection of Christ and the salvation He offers, which indeed are marvelous in the eyes of those who believe.

Analogies

One analogy for Psalm 118:23 is a farmer witnessing a sudden, unexpected rainstorm that saves their parched crops from ruin. The farmer did not cause the rain, but they recognize its divine timing and life-giving power, exclaiming, "The Lord has sent this rain, and it is marvelous!" Another analogy is a patient, facing a grave illness, who unexpectedly recovers against all medical odds. The family and the patient marvel at the recovery, attributing it to a power beyond human intervention. In both cases, the outcome is so beneficial and unexpected that it compels a recognition of a higher, benevolent agency.

Relation to Other Verses

Psalm 118:23 echoes the sentiment found in numerous other biblical passages. For instance, Exodus 15:11 declares, "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" This expresses a similar awe at God's unique and wondrous actions. Isaiah 25:1 is also relevant: "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure." The Gospel accounts of Jesus' miracles, such as the feeding of the multitudes or His resurrection, are prime examples of events that would have elicited the cry found in Psalm 118:23 from His followers. The apostle Paul often speaks of the "mystery" of the gospel, which is marvelous and indeed a stumbling block to some, but salvation to others (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).