Psalm 118:1-7

1 Danket dem HERRN; denn er ist freundlich, und seine Güte währet ewiglich.

2 Es sage nun Israel: Seine Güte währet ewiglich.

3 Es sage nun das Haus Aaron: Seine Güte währet ewiglich.

4 Es sagen nun, die den HERRN fürchten: Seine Güte währet ewiglich.

5 In der Angst rief ich den HERRN an, und der HERR erhörte mich und tröstete mich.

6 Der HERR ist mit mir, darum fürchte ich mich nicht; was können mir Menschen tun?

7 Der HERR ist mit mir, mir zu helfen; und ich will meine Lust sehen an meinen Feinden.

Psalm 118:1-7 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.