Psalms 118:18-28

18 The LORD has punished me severely, but he did not let me die.

19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the LORD .

20 These gates lead to the presence of the LORD, and the godly enter there.

21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!

22 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

23 This is the LORD ’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.

24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success.

26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD . We bless you from the house of the LORD .

27 The LORD is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!

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.