◄ Psalm 21:13 ►
Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.
Study Bible
Be exalted
The phrase "Be exalted" is a call for God to be lifted high and honored. The Hebrew root word here is "rum," which means to rise or to be lofty. This reflects a deep desire for God's majesty to be recognized above all else. In the historical context of ancient Israel, exalting God was central to worship, acknowledging His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. This call to exaltation is not just a passive wish but an active declaration of God's rightful place above all powers and authorities.

O LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal presence and unchanging nature. In the conservative Christian perspective, invoking the name of the LORD is a profound act of reverence, recognizing His covenantal faithfulness and His role as the ultimate ruler and redeemer. The use of "O LORD" in this verse emphasizes a personal relationship with God, acknowledging His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

in Your strength
The phrase "in Your strength" highlights the source of God's exaltation—His mighty power. The Hebrew word for strength, "oz," conveys might, power, and security. This strength is not just physical but encompasses God's ability to protect, deliver, and sustain His people. Historically, the Israelites experienced God's strength in their deliverance from Egypt and victories over their enemies. For Christians, this strength is also seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's power over sin and death.

we will sing
Singing is a natural response to experiencing God's greatness and power. The Hebrew word "shiyr" means to sing or to make music. In the biblical context, singing was an integral part of worship, expressing joy, gratitude, and reverence. The act of singing in this verse signifies a communal response, as "we" indicates a collective worship experience. It reflects the joy and unity of believers as they come together to celebrate God's mighty acts.

and praise
The word "praise" comes from the Hebrew "zamar," which means to make music or to sing praises. This is an active expression of admiration and gratitude towards God. In the conservative Christian tradition, praise is not only a response to God's actions but also an acknowledgment of His character and attributes. It is a vital part of worship, focusing the believer's heart and mind on God's goodness and faithfulness.

Your power
The phrase "Your power" reiterates the source of the believer's praise—God's divine power. The Hebrew word "geburah" refers to strength, might, and valor. This power is evident in God's creation, His governance of the world, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. In the historical context, God's power was a source of hope and confidence for the Israelites, assuring them of His ability to fulfill His promises. For Christians, it is a reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, enabling them to live victoriously.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is exalted and praised for His strength and power.

2. David (implied)
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, King David often wrote about God's strength and deliverance.

3. Israel (implied)
The nation that benefits from God's strength and power, often the collective voice in the Psalms.

4. The Psalmist's Community (implied)
The group of worshippers who join in singing and praising God, representing the faithful community.

5. The Event of Worship
The act of exalting God through song and praise, a common practice in Israelite worship.
Teaching Points
Exalting God in Worship
Worship is a response to God's revealed strength and power. Believers are called to actively exalt God through song and praise.

Recognizing God's Strength
Acknowledge that God's strength is the source of our victories and deliverance. Reflect on personal experiences where God's power was evident.

Community in Worship
Worship is both personal and communal. Engage with others in praising God, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.

Living in God's Power
Apply the understanding of God's strength to daily life challenges. Trust in His power to overcome obstacles and provide guidance.

Eternal Perspective
Remember that God's strength is not just for the present but is an eternal truth. This perspective can bring hope and assurance in uncertain times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God's strength in your life change the way you approach challenges?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine?

3. How does the communal aspect of worship enhance your personal faith journey?

4. Can you identify a time when you experienced God's power in a tangible way? How did it impact your faith?

5. How does the theme of God's eternal strength in Psalm 21:13 encourage you in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18:1-2
This passage also speaks of God's strength and deliverance, emphasizing the personal relationship between the psalmist and God.

Exodus 15:2
The song of Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea highlights God's strength and salvation, similar to the themes in Psalm 21:13.

1 Chronicles 16:9-10
Encourages believers to sing to the Lord and proclaim His deeds, paralleling the call to praise in Psalm 21:13.

Philippians 4:13
Paul speaks of strength through Christ, connecting the Old Testament understanding of God's strength to the New Testament believer's experience.

Revelation 5:12-13
The heavenly worship scene where God's power and might are praised, reflecting the eternal nature of God's strength.
Sermons
A Completed Salvation, Messiah's TriumphJoseph Irons.Psalm 21:1-13
A Royal Thanksgiving for Answers to PrayerC. Clemance Psalm 21:1-13
Let the Children of Zion be Joyful in Their KingW. Forsyth Psalm 21:1-13
Rejoicing in the Strength of GodLauncelot Andrews.Psalm 21:1-13
Thanksgiving for Prayer AnsweredC. Short Psalm 21:1-13
The Feelings of the Good in Relation to the Subjugation of EvilD. Thomas, D. D.Psalm 21:1-13
The Joy of the Heavenly KingHomiletic CommentaryPsalm 21:1-13
The Lord Protector of PrincesD. Featley, D. D.Psalm 21:1-13
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
22, Celebrate, Chief, David, Exalted, Hash-shahar, Lifted, Musician, O, Power, Praise, Psalm, Sing, Songs, Strength
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 21:13

     1105   God, power of

Library
Epistle Lviii. To all the Bishops Throughout Helladia .
To all the Bishops throughout Helladia [1626] . Gregory to all bishops constituted in the province of Helladia. I return thanks with you, dearest brethren, to Almighty God, who has caused the hidden sore which the ancient enemy had introduced to come to the knowledge of all, and has cut it away by a wholesome incision from the body of His Church. Herein we have cause both to rejoice and to mourn; to rejoice, that is, for the correction of a crime, but to mourn for the fall of a brother. But, since …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

My Brethren.
OUR Lord Jesus Christ calls those for whom He died and who have believed on Him "My Brethren." What a word it is! The Brethren of the Man in Glory! Brethren of Him who is at the right hand of God, the upholder and heir of all things! Pause for a moment, dear reader. Let your heart lay hold anew of this wonderful message of God's Grace; Brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ! What depths of love and grace these words contain! What heights of glory they promise to us, who were bought by His own precious …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Fourteenth Day for the Church of the Future
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Church of the Future "That the children might not be as their fathers, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."--PS. lxxviii. 8. "I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thy offspring."--ISA. xliv. 3. Pray for the rising generation, who are to come after us. Think of the young men and young women and children of this age, and pray for all the agencies at work among them; that in association and societies …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into
"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly afflicted, and that so highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search out the divine judgments. When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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