Psalms 118:1

1 Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, 1 and his love is eternal.

Psalms 118:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:1

O give thanks unto the Lord
For all his mercies, temporal and spiritual; as all should, who are partakers of them: this should be done always, and for all things, in the name of Christ; it is but reasonable service;

for [he is] good;
in himself, and to others: is essentially and diffusively good; the fountain of all goodness, and the author of all good things;

because his mercy [endureth] for ever;
in his own heart, and in his covenant; his grace and lovingkindness displayed in Christ; the blessings and promises of it, which are the sure mercies of David: these always remain, notwithstanding the unworthiness of his people; and though he hides his face sometimes from them, and chastises them; see ( Psalms 106:1 ) ( 107:1 ) ; the goodness and mercy of God were seen in setting David on the throne; and abundantly more in giving Christ to be the Saviour of his people; for both which thanks should be given, and the kindness acknowledged, by the persons mentioned in the following verses.

Psalms 118:1 In-Context

1 Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, and his love is eternal.
2 Let the people of Israel say, "His love is eternal."
3 Let the priests of God say, "His love is eternal."
4 Let all who worship him say, "His love is eternal."
5 In my distress I called to the Lord; he answered me and set me free.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 118.11 Chronicles 16.34;2 Chronicles 5.13; 7.3;Ezra 3.11;Psalms 100.5; 106.1; 107.1; 136.1;Jeremiah 33.11.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.