What does Psalm 118:14 mean?

Prior verses may have looked forward to Israel's success against enemies during the end times. Prophecies (Joel 3:2; Isaiah 29:5–8) speak of Israel turning back a massive number of enemies through the power of God. It may also look back to victories of the past.

Here, the psalmist celebrates God's provision. These words are nearly identical to the beginning of Moses' song (Exodus 15:2). After Israel was freed from Egypt, God miraculously parted the Red Sea so they could escape a pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–22). Moses and the people praised God for that rescue (Exodus 15:1–18). The prophet Isaiah also repeats this phrase (Isaiah 12:2). God is the source of all legitimate power. He is also the proper place for each person's "song:" the worshipful focus of their life and attention (Psalm 40:3).