Psalms 118:14-24

14 Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

15 The sound of rejoicing and victory is heard in the tents of the righteous: "ADONAI's right hand struck powerfully!

16 ADONAI's right hand is raised in triumph! ADONAI's right hand struck powerfully!"

17 I will not die; no, I will live and proclaim the great deeds of Yah!

18 Yah disciplined me severely, but did not hand me over to death.

19 Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter them and thank Yah.

20 This is the gate of ADONAI; the righteous can enter it.

21 I am thanking you because you answered me; you became my salvation.

22 The very rock that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone!

23 This has come from ADONAI, and in our eyes it is amazing.

24 This is the day ADONAI has made, a day for us to rejoice and be glad.

Psalms 118:14-24 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.