What does Psalms 118:13 mean?
"Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me." - Psalms 118:13

The verse Psalms 118:13 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me." This verse is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in the Lord's protection and deliverance in the face of adversity.
The context of this verse is the entire 118th Psalm, which is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for God's deliverance and salvation. It begins with the words, "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever." The psalmist reflects on the times of distress and trouble when he called upon the Lord, and the Lord answered and rescued him. The psalmist declares his faith in God's enduring mercy and steadfast love, and he invites others to join him in praising the Lord.
In verse 13, the psalmist speaks of the enemies who have attacked and sought to bring him down. The phrase "Thou hast thrust sore at me" conveys the intensity and severity of the attacks that the psalmist has faced. The psalmist acknowledges that the enemies' intent was to make him fall, to bring him to ruin and destruction. However, in the face of these threats and assaults, the psalmist affirms his trust in the Lord's intervention and support. He testifies that it was the Lord who came to his aid and helped him, delivering him from the hands of his adversaries.
This verse carries a message of steadfast faith and reliance on God's strength and protection. It reminds believers that in times of trouble and persecution, God is their refuge and strength. It encourages them to turn to the Lord for deliverance and to trust in His ability to rescue them from the plots and schemes of their enemies.
The theme of God's faithfulness and deliverance is prominent in this verse. The psalmist's experience of being attacked and threatened by enemies is a common theme throughout the Psalms. Many of the psalmists faced opposition, persecution, and danger, and they looked to the Lord for protection and salvation. The psalmist's testimony in verse 13 echoes the experience of countless believers who have found themselves in perilous situations and have found God to be their ever-present help in times of trouble.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the psalmist's enemies and the Lord. The enemies are depicted as those who "thrust sore" at the psalmist, seeking to bring him down. Their actions represent the forces of evil and opposition that seek to harm and destroy God's people. In contrast, the Lord is the source of help and deliverance. He is the ultimate protector and defender of His people, and His intervention brings about victory and salvation.
In the broader context of the Bible, this verse points to the power of God to overcome the plans of the enemy and to rescue His people from harm. It reflects the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness and deliverance throughout the Scriptures. The Bible is replete with stories of God's intervention on behalf of His people, saving them from their enemies, and providing for their needs.
In conclusion, Psalms 118:13 is a verse that speaks to the enduring faith and trust of the believer in the face of adversity. It testifies to the power and faithfulness of God to protect and deliver His people from the schemes and attacks of their enemies. This verse serves as a source of encouragement and assurance for believers, reminding them of God's ability to bring them through even the most difficult and threatening situations. It invites believers to take refuge in the Lord and to trust in His unfailing help.
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Psalms 118:13 - "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me."
"Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me." - Psalms 118:13
Psalms 118:24 - "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." - Psalms 118:23
Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
Psalms 118:23 - "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalms 118:24
"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." - Psalms 118:14
Psalms 118:20 - "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."
Psalms 118:9 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."
"Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:2
"Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:3
Psalms 118:14 - "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."
Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."
Psalms 118:2 - "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalms 118:22 - "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
Psalms 118:3 - "Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalms 118:16 - "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."
Psalms 118:19 - "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"
Psalms 118:4 - "Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalms 118:10 - "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."
Psalms 118:15 - "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."
Psalms 119:118 - "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood."
Psalms 118:29 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalms 118:21 - "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."
Psalms 118:11 - "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."
Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalms 118:5 - "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."
Psalms 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."