Psalms 118:4-14

4 Let those who respect the Lord say, "His love continues forever."

5 I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.

6 I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me. People can't do anything to me.

7 The Lord is with me to help me, so I will see my enemies defeated.

8 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust people.

9 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me, but I defeated them in the name of the Lord.

11 They surrounded me on every side, but with the Lord's power I defeated them.

12 They surrounded me like a swarm of bees, but they died as quickly as thorns burn. By the Lord's power, I defeated them.

13 They chased me until I was almost defeated, but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord gives me strength and a song. He has saved me.

Psalms 118:4-14 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.