Psalms 118:1-9

1 O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.

2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy is unchanging for ever.

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

4 Let all worshippers of the Lord now say, that his mercy is unchanging for ever.

5 I made my prayer to the Lord in my trouble: and the Lord gave me an answer, and put me in a wide place.

6 The Lord is on my side; I will have no fear: what is man able to do to me?

7 The Lord is my great helper: I will see my desire against my haters.

8 It is better to have faith in the Lord than to put one's hope in man.

9 It is better to have faith in the Lord than to put one's hope in rulers.

Psalms 118:1-9 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.