Psalms 118:1-7

1 1Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 2Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
3 3Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
4 4Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
5 5Out of my distress I 6called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me 7free.
6 8The LORD is on my side; 9I will not fear. What can man do to me?
7 10The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall 11look in triumph on those who hate me.

Psalms 118:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 118

Kimchi says their Rabbins are divided about this psalm. Some understand it of David; others of the Messiah: but, with us Christians, there ought to be no doubt of its belonging to the Messiah; since our Lord has quoted a passage out of it, and applied it to himself, Ps 118:22,23; see Mt 21:42; and so has the Apostle Peter, Ac 4:11. Nor did the Jews of those times object thereunto, which doubtless they would have done, had the psalm respected any other but the Messiah; yea, the common people that attended Christ when he entered into Jerusalem, and the children in the temple, took their "hosanna" from hence, Ps 118:26; see Mt 21:9,15. It is generally thought to be written by David, after he was established in the kingdom, and had brought the ark of the Lord into the city. It concludes the great "Hallel", or hymn sung at the Jewish festivals; particularly at the feasts of tabernacle and the passover.

Cross References 11

  • 1. ver. 29; See Psalms 100:5
  • 2. [Ps. 115:9, 10, 11]
  • 3. [See ver. 2 above]
  • 4. [See ver. 2 above]
  • 5. [Jonah 2:1]
  • 6. [Psalms 116:4]
  • 7. See Psalms 18:19
  • 8. Psalms 56:9; Cited Hebrews 13:6
  • 9. See Psalms 23:4; Psalms 56:4, 11
  • 10. Psalms 54:4
  • 11. See Psalms 54:7
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.