Psalms 118:17-27

17 I will not die, but live, And declare the LORD's works.

18 The LORD has punished me severely, But he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD; The righteous will enter into it.

21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, And have become my yeshu`ah.

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

23 This is the LORD's doing. It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

25 Save us now, we beg you, LORD; LORD, we beg you, now send prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

Psalms 118:17-27 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.