Psalms 118:19-29

19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the LORD!

20 This is the LORD's gate; those who are righteous enter through it.

21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help.

22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!

23 This has happened because of the LORD; it is astounding in our sight!

24 This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

25 LORD, please save us! LORD, please let us succeed!

26 The one who enters in the LORD's name is blessed; we bless all of you from the LORD's house.

27 The LORD is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God—I will give thanks to you! You are my God—I will lift you up high!

29 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.

Psalms 118:19-29 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb uncertain