Psalms 118:161-171

161 sen principes persecuti sunt me gratis et a verbis tuis formidavit cor meum
162 laetabor ego super eloquia tua sicut qui invenit spolia multa
163 iniquitatem odio habui et abominatus sum legem autem tuam dilexi
164 septies in die laudem dixi tibi super iudicia iustitiae tuae
165 pax multa diligentibus legem tuam et non est illis scandalum
166 expectabam salutare tuum Domine et mandata tua dilexi
167 custodivit anima mea testimonia tua et dilexi ea vehementer
168 servavi mandata tua et testimonia tua quia omnes viae meae in conspectu tuo
169 thau adpropinquet deprecatio mea in conspectu tuo Domine iuxta eloquium tuum da mihi intellectum
170 intret postulatio mea in conspectu tuo secundum eloquium tuum eripe me
171 eructabunt labia mea hymnum cum docueris me iustificationes tuas

Psalms 118:161-171 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.