Psalms 118:27

God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

Psalms 118:27 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 118 is a thanksgiving psalm from the Hallel collection, sung at Jewish festivals, especially Passover. This verse appears near the end, after the people have celebrated God’s deliverance.

The opening words, “God is the LORD,” affirm God’s supreme authority and His covenant-keeping nature toward Israel. This declaration acknowledges His sovereignty over all things.

Meaning

The phrase “hath shewed us light” uses light as a symbol of guidance, revelation, and divine favor. God has enlightened His people, making His presence and will known to them. This light points to the knowledge and understanding that come from Him, illuminating the path for His people.

The second half pictures the preparation of a sacrificial offering. In the Old Testament, animals were often bound before being offered on the altar. This act demonstrated the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God. The horns of the altar, located in the tabernacle and later the temple, were considered a place of refuge and symbolized God’s presence, mercy, and protection.

Biblical connections

The verse moves from God’s gracious initiative in showing light to the worshiper’s responsive action in binding the sacrifice. This reflects the proper response to God’s revelation: to offer oneself in worship and dedication. In the Passover context, this connects to the deliverance God provided for Israel and the call to respond in grateful worship.

From a Christian perspective, this verse foreshadows 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 point to Jesus as our refuge and the place where we find forgiveness, mercy, and protection.

Application

This verse encourages believers to acknowledge God’s lordship, to recognize His guidance, and to commit themselves fully to Him in worship and service. It calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, as Romans 12:1 urges, binding ourselves completely to God in an attitude of surrender, obedience, and worship.

Reflection

God has shown us His light through His Word and His Son. Our response should be wholehearted devotion, offering our lives as a sacrifice of praise. Let us bind ourselves to Him with cords of love and gratitude, finding our refuge and mercy at His altar.