What does Psalm 118:15 mean?
This continues a pattern which repeats various phrases. This might have been used as a "call and response," where a group of people speak the repetitive words after a prompting phrase from a leader. Prior verses emphasized the victory which Israel could claim thanks to the Lord (Psalm 118:10–14). Loud singing and rejoicing express happiness, but also inform others about what the Lord has done. It's possible this psalm commemorates the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. At that time, the people's celebration could be heard from far away (Nehemiah 12:43).References to a person's "tents" are metaphors for their family. Modern expressions such as "in this house" carry the same meaning. Those who are righteous—those who rightfully honor the Lord (Psalm 118:2–4; John 3:36)—experience His salvation. This psalm is part of a series (Psalm 113—118) used during important feasts such as the Festival of Booths (Leviticus 23:42–43). The reference to tents may have harmonized with people setting up symbolic tents during that time.
The term translated "valiantly" is hā'yil. This suggests power, strength, and ability. Great Old Testament warriors are often described using this word (Judges 6:12; 1 Samuel 16:18; 2 Kings 5:1). Crediting God, not men, with valor (Zechariah 4:6) is also associated with His right hand: the poetic reference to a person's primary strengths and influence (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 17:7). The Lord's power enables all that His people may accomplish (Psalm 60:12).
