Psalms 118:1-6

1 Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, 1 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.
6 The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid; 2 what can anyone do to me?

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.

Cross References 2

  • 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.
  • 2. 118.6Hebrews 13.6.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.