Psalms 118:1-10

1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good because his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now say that his mercy endures for ever.

3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endures for ever.

4 Let those that fear the LORD say now, that his mercy is eternal.

5 From a tight place I called upon JAH; and JAH answered me and set me in a wide place.

6 The LORD is for me; I will not fear what man can do unto me.

7 The LORD takes my part with those that help me; therefore I shall see my desire upon those that hate me.

8 It is better to wait upon the LORD than to wait upon man.

9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

10 All the nations compassed me about; but in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

Psalms 118:1-10 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.