Psalms 118:138-148

138 mandasti iustitiam testimonia tua et veritatem tuam nimis
139 tabescere me fecit zelus meus quia obliti sunt verba tua inimici mei
140 ignitum eloquium tuum vehementer et servus tuus dilexit illud
141 adulescentulus sum ego et contemptus iustificationes tuas non sum oblitus
142 iustitia tua iustitia in aeternum et lex tua veritas
143 tribulatio et angustia invenerunt me mandata tua meditatio mea
144 aequitas testimonia tua in aeternum intellectum da mihi et vivam
145 cof clamavi in toto corde exaudi me Domine iustificationes tuas requiram
146 clamavi te salvum me fac et custodiam mandata tua
147 praeveni in maturitate et clamavi in verba tua supersperavi
148 praevenerunt oculi mei ad diluculum ut meditarer eloquia tua

Psalms 118:138-148 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.