Psalms 118:171-176

171 eructabunt labia mea hymnum cum docueris me iustificationes tuas
172 pronuntiabit lingua mea eloquium tuum quia omnia mandata tua aequitas
173 fiat manus tua ut salvet me quoniam mandata tua elegi
174 concupivi salutare tuum Domine et lex tua meditatio mea
175 vivet anima mea et laudabit te et iudicia tua adiuvabunt me
176 erravi sicut ovis quae periit quaere servum tuum quia mandata tua non sum oblitus

Psalms 118:171-176 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.