Psalms 118:12-22

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.

Psalms 118:12-22 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.