Psalms 118:1-7

1 Alleluia. Acknowledge ye to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy is without end. (Alleluia. Give ye thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his love is forever.)
2 Israel say now, for he is good; for his mercy is without end (for his love is forever).
3 The house of Aaron say now; for his mercy is without end (for his love is forever).
4 They that dread the Lord, say now; for his mercy is without end. (They who fear the Lord/They who revere the Lord, say now; for his love is forever.)
5 (Out) Of tribulation I inwardly called the Lord; and the Lord heard me in largeness. (In my trouble I called to the Lord; and the Lord answered me, and set me free.)
6 The Lord is an helper to me; I shall not dread what man shall do to me. (The Lord is my helper; I shall not fear what people shall do to me.)
7 The Lord is an helper to me; and I shall despise mine enemies. (The Lord is my helper; and I shall gloat over my enemies/and I shall see my enemies defeated.)

Psalms 118:1-7 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.

Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.