Psalms 118:18-28

18 God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn't hand me over to Death.

19 Swing wide the city gates - the righteous gates! I'll walk right through and thank God!

20 This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise.

21 Thank you for responding to me; you've truly become my salvation!

22 The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone!

23 This is God's work. We rub our eyes - we can hardly believe it!

24 This is the very day God acted - let's celebrate and be festive!

25 Salvation now, God. Salvation now! Oh yes, God - a free and full life!

26 Blessed are you who enter in God's name - from God's house we bless you!

27 God is God, he has bathed us in light. Festoon the shrine with garlands, hang colored banners above the altar!

28 You're my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise.

Psalms 118:18-28 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.