Psalms 118:1-6

Thanksgiving for Victory

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say, "His faithful love endures forever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His faithful love endures forever."

4 Let those who fear the Lord say, "His faithful love endures forever."

5 I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me [and put me] in a spacious place.^[a]

6 The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?^[b]

Psalms 118:1-6 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or answered me with freedom
• [b]. Heb 13:6