Psalms 118

1 Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good. His faithful love continues forever.

2 Let the people of Israel say, "His faithful love continues forever."

3 Let the priests of Aaron say, "His faithful love continues forever."

4 Let those who have respect for the LORD say, "His faithful love continues forever."

5 When I was in great pain, I cried out to the Lord. He answered me and set me free.

6 The LORD is with me. I will not be afraid. What can mere men do to me?

7 The LORD is with me. He helps me. I will win the battle over my enemies.

8 It is better to go to the LORD for safety than to trust in mere men.

9 It is better to go to the LORD for safety than to trust in human leaders.

10 The nations were all around me. But by the LORD's power I destroyed them.

11 They were around me on every side. But by the LORD's power I destroyed them.

12 They attacked me like large numbers of bees. But they died out as quickly as burning thorns. By the LORD's power I destroyed them.

13 I was pushed back. I was about to be killed. But the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD gives me strength. I sing about him. He has saved me.

15 Shouts of joy ring out in the tents of godly people. They praise him for his help in battle. They shout, "The LORD's powerful right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's powerful right hand has won the battle! The LORD's powerful right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die. I will live. I will talk about what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has really punished me. But he didn't let me die.

19 Open the gates of the temple for me. I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord. Only those who do what is right can go through it.

21 Lord, I will give thanks to you, because you answered me. You have saved me.

22 The stone the builders didn't accept has become the most important stone of all.

23 The LORD has done it. It is wonderful in our eyes.

24 The LORD has done it on this day. Let us be joyful and glad in it.

25 Lord, save us. Lord, give us success.

26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. From the temple of the LORD we bless you.

27 The LORD is God. He has made the light of his favor shine on us. Take branches in your hands. Join in the march on the day of the feast. March up to the corners of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you. You are my God, and I will honor you.

29 Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good. His faithful love continues forever.

Psalms 118 Commentary

Chapter 118

It is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18) The coming of Christ in his kingdom. (19-29)

Verses 1-18 The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand.

Verses 19-29 Those who saw Christ's day at so great a distance, saw cause to praise God for the prospect. The prophecy, ver. ( psalms 118:22-23 ) Christ. 1. His humiliation; he is the Stone which the builders refused: they would go on in their building without him. This proved the ruin of those who thus made light of him. Rejecters of Christ are rejected of God. 2. His exaltation; he is the chief Cornerstone in the foundation. He is the chief Top-stone, in whom the building is completed, who must, in all things, have the pre-eminence. Christ's name is Wonderful; and the redemption he wrought out is the most amazing of all God's wondrous works. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.

Chapter Summary

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.