What does "I will not die, but I will live" signify for believers? The Verse at a Glance “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.” (Psalm 118:17) Immediate Context • Psalm 118 is a victory song, likely sung after Israel’s king returned safely from battle or worshipers from a threatened situation. • Verses 15-18 celebrate God’s “right hand” of power that rescues from certain death. • The psalmist’s declaration is both faith-filled and factual: God actually spared his life so he could testify to the LORD’s works. What the Words Mean—Literal and Lasting • “I will not die” – A concrete statement of God-given preservation in the face of lethal danger (cf. Psalm 91:7-8). – For believers, physical life is held in God’s hand until His purpose is complete (Job 14:5; Acts 18:9-10). • “but I will live” – Life is more than breath; it is purposeful continuance under God’s covenant love (Psalm 27:13-14). – New-covenant believers share in Christ’s resurrection life now and forever (John 11:25-26). • “and proclaim what the LORD has done” – Deliverance always carries a mission: speak, sing, and display God’s saving acts (Isaiah 43:10-12; 1 Peter 2:9). Foreshadowing Christ • Jesus, the ultimate Son of David, literally fulfilled this cry through His resurrection: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). • Because He lives, His people can echo the same confidence: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Practical Implications for Believers • Courage in peril – Whether facing illness, persecution, or spiritual attack, the believer stands on God’s promise of sovereign protection until mission accomplished (2 Timothy 4:17-18). • Assurance of eternal life – Physical bodies may one day sleep, yet true death—eternal separation—is forever overcome (2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 1:18). • A life of testimony – Every rescue, provision, or moment of sustaining grace becomes fresh material for declaring “the excellencies of Him who called” (1 Peter 2:9). • Continual praise refocus – Instead of fear, lips are filled with stories of the LORD’s right-hand victories (Psalm 118:15; Hebrews 13:15). Key Cross-References • Psalm 91:16 – “With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” • 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 – “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” • Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Living the Verse Today • Remember: your times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). • Rest: nothing can cut short God’s ordained days for you (Psalm 139:16). • Respond: speak often of His deliverances, big and small, so others see and trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:1-3). |
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