What does "in the name of the LORD" signify in Psalm 118:10? A Phrase Worth Pausing Over “All the nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.” (Psalm 118:10) The Weight of “Name” in Scripture • In Hebrew, shem (“name”) speaks of character, reputation, and revealed authority. • To act “in the name of the LORD” means acting under His commission, relying on His power, and seeking His glory, not one’s own. • Exodus 3:15 shows God tying His covenant faithfulness to His name: “This is My name forever…”. Authority Carried Into Battle • The psalmist faces hostile nations; humanly, he is outnumbered. • Rather than trust military might, he invokes God’s name—placing himself under divine authority. • Compare 1 Samuel 17:45. David tells Goliath, “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts…”. The same principle fuels Psalm 118. Covenant Confidence, Not Personal Bravado • “Cut them off” points to decisive victory, but the victory’s source is the covenant-keeping LORD. • Zechariah 4:6 echoes: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts”. • Thus “in the name of the LORD” is a confession of dependence, a refusal to claim credit, and a public acknowledgment of God’s supremacy. Echoes in New Testament Living • Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”. • The same pattern—acting under divine authority for divine purposes—continues for believers today. Why It Brings Courage • God’s name anchors our prayers (John 14:13-14). • His name guarantees His presence (Matthew 18:20). • His name secures salvation (Acts 4:12). Key Takeaways • “In the name of the LORD” signals delegated authority, covenant power, and total reliance on God. • Psalm 118:10 invites believers to face overwhelming odds with confidence rooted not in self, but in the trustworthy character and proven power of the LORD. |
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