Psalms 118:147-157

147 praeveni in maturitate et clamavi in verba tua supersperavi
148 praevenerunt oculi mei ad diluculum ut meditarer eloquia tua
149 vocem meam audi secundum misericordiam tuam Domine secundum iudicium tuum vivifica me
150 adpropinquaverunt persequentes me iniquitate a lege autem tua longe facti sunt
151 prope es tu Domine et omnes viae tuae veritas
152 initio cognovi de testimoniis tuis quia in aeternum fundasti ea
153 res vide humilitatem meam et eripe me quia legem tuam non sum oblitus
154 iudica iudicium meum et redime me propter eloquium tuum vivifica me
155 longe a peccatoribus salus quia iustificationes tuas non exquisierunt
156 misericordiae tuae multae Domine secundum iudicia tua vivifica me
157 multi qui persequuntur me et tribulant me a testimoniis tuis non declinavi

Psalms 118:147-157 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.