Bible Verse Commentary on Psalms 118:21

The verse Psalms 118:21 states: "I will give thanks unto thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." This verse holds a profound significance within the broader context of the Psalms, reflecting themes of gratitude, divine intervention, and salvation.

Understanding the Verse

In Psalms 118:21, the psalmist expresses their gratitude to God for listening and responding to their pleas for help. Let's explore the verse's meaning through the insights drawn from respected public domain commentaries.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of thankfulness to God for His gracious responses. He notes that the believer acknowledges God's role as not only a hearer of prayers but also as a source of salvation. This dual acknowledgment encourages a posture of gratitude and reliance on God's providence.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes interprets the phrase "for thou hast heard me" as an affirmation of God's attentiveness to prayer. He points out that the psalmist's confidence in God’s salvation is rooted in previous experiences of deliverance, thus encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to provide and save.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the transformative aspect of God's salvation. He reflects on how the psalmist's assertion serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness. The verse serves as a reminder for believers in all situations to express their gratitude and acknowledge God's saving grace.

Key Themes

• Gratitude: The essence of worship involves giving thanks for God's interventions.
• Divine Communication: Highlights how God listens to His people and answers their prayers.
• Salvation: Focuses on the assurance of salvation which is central to the faith experience.

Applying Psalms 118:21 to Daily Life

Understanding this verse encourages Christians to reflect on the following:

• How can one cultivate a habit of gratitude in daily life?
• What reminders exist in one’s own life of God's past faithfulness and response to prayers?
• How does one recognize the presence of God’s salvation in personal experiences?

Cross References

• Psalms 40:1-3 - A song of thanksgiving for God's help.
• Psalms 145:18 - The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.
• Isaiah 12:2 - Emphasizes the themes of salvation and trust in God.

Final Thoughts

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thankfulness and recognizing God's presence in our lives. As believers, embracing such scriptural insights deepens our understanding of the interplay between gratitude, prayer, and salvation.

Further Bible Study Resources

For those seeking broader insights, consider using some of these Bible study resources:

• Bible study tools: Enhance your understanding with concordances and cross-reference guides.
• Bible study guides: Structured lessons to help interpret various passages.
• Online Bible study: Engage with community discussions for enhanced interpretations.
• Bible study courses: Formal instruction on scriptural analysis and theological concepts.