Psalms 118:4-14

4 Oh let them that fear Jehovah say, that his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever.

5 I called upon Jah in distress; Jah answered me [and set me] in a large place.

6 Jehovah is for me, I will not fear; what can man do unto me?

7 Jehovah is for me among them that help me; and I shall see [my desire] upon them that hate me.

8 It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in man;

9 It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in nobles.

10 All nations encompassed me; but in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them.

11 They encompassed me, yea, encompassed me; but in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them.

12 They encompassed me like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them.

13 Thou hast thrust hard at me that I might fall; but Jehovah helped me.

14 My strength and song is Jah, and he is become my salvation.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'mowed them down.'
• [b]. See Ex. 15.2; Isa. 12.2. For 'Jah' see Ps. 68.4; 89.8.