Psalms 118:27
“God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.”
1. Context:Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise. It is attributed to King David and is part of a collection known as the “Hallel” psalms, which were sung during Jewish festivals, particularly during Passover. This particular verse comes toward the end of the psalm.
The verse starts by affirming that God is the LORD. This statement emphasises that God is the supreme authority, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power over all things.
The verse continues by acknowledging that God has shown His light to His people. In the Bible, light often symbolises guidance, revelation, and salvation. It refers to the knowledge and understanding that comes from God, illuminating the path for His people.
The verse then mentions binding the sacrifice with cords. In the Old Testament, during the sacrificial system, animals were often tied or bound before being offered on the altar. This act demonstrated the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God.
The verse concludes by mentioning the horns of the altar. The horns of the altar in the tabernacle and later the temple were considered a place of refuge and symbolised the presence of God. They were also associated with the idea of receiving mercy and protection.
In a broader context, this verse can be seen as an exhortation to the people of God to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). It encourages believers to fully dedicate their lives to God, binding themselves to Him completely. It reflects an attitude of surrender, obedience, and worship.
From a Christian perspective, this verse can also be seen as foreshadowing Jesus Christ. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, bound with cords as He carried the cross to Calvary, where He was crucified for the salvation of humanity. The horns of the altar can be seen as pointing to Jesus as our refuge and the place where we find forgiveness, mercy, and protection.
