Psalms 118:153-163

153 res vide humilitatem meam et eripe me quia legem tuam non sum oblitus
154 iudica iudicium meum et redime me propter eloquium tuum vivifica me
155 longe a peccatoribus salus quia iustificationes tuas non exquisierunt
156 misericordiae tuae multae Domine secundum iudicia tua vivifica me
157 multi qui persequuntur me et tribulant me a testimoniis tuis non declinavi
158 vidi praevaricantes et tabescebam quia eloquia tua non custodierunt
159 vide quoniam mandata tua dilexi Domine in misericordia tua vivifica me
160 principium verborum tuorum veritas et in aeternum omnia iudicia iustitiae tuae
161 sen principes persecuti sunt me gratis et a verbis tuis formidavit cor meum
162 laetabor ego super eloquia tua sicut qui invenit spolia multa
163 iniquitatem odio habui et abominatus sum legem autem tuam dilexi

Psalms 118:153-163 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.