Psalms 118:8-18

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.

15 Shouts of joy and victory come from the tents of those who do right: "The Lord has done powerful things."

16 The power of the Lord has won the victory; with his power the Lord has done mighty things.

17 I will not die, but live, and I will tell what the Lord has done.

18 The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.

Psalms 118:8-18 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.