Psalms 118:12-22

12 benedictus es Domine doce me iustificationes tuas

13 in labiis meis pronuntiavi omnia iudicia oris tui

14 in via testimoniorum tuorum delectatus sum sicut in omnibus divitiis

15 in mandatis tuis exercebor et considerabo vias tuas

16 in iustificationibus tuis meditabor non obliviscar sermones tuos

17 gimel retribue servo tuo vivifica me et custodiam sermones tuos

18 revela oculos meos et considerabo mirabilia de lege tua

19 incola ego sum in terra non abscondas a me mandata tua

20 concupivit anima mea desiderare iustificationes tuas in omni tempore

21 increpasti superbos maledicti qui declinant a mandatis tuis

22 aufer a me obprobrium et contemptum quia testimonia tua exquisivi

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.