Psalms 118:9-19

9 It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust influential people.

10 All the nations surrounded me, [but armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.

11 They surrounded me. Yes, they surrounded me, [but armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.

12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thornbushes. [So armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.

13 They pushed hard to make me fall, but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song. He is my savior.

15 The sound of joyful singing and victory is heard in the tents of righteous people. The right hand of the LORD displays strength.

16 The right hand of the LORD is held high. The right hand of the LORD displays strength.

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

18 The LORD disciplined me severely, but he did not allow me to be killed.

19 Open the gates of righteousness for me. I will go through them [and] give thanks to the LORD.

Psalms 118:9-19 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.