Psalms 118:13-23

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.

20 This is the gate of the LORD through which righteous people will enter.

21 I give thanks to you, because you have answered me. You are my savior.

22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

23 The LORD is responsible for this, and it is amazing for us to see.

Psalms 118:13-23 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.