Psalms 118:17-27

17 Life and not death will be my part, and I will give out the story of the works of the Lord.

18 The hand of Jah has been hard on me; but he has not given me up to death.

19 Let the doors of righteousness be open to me; I will go in and give praise to the Lord.

20 This is the door of the Lord's house; the workers of righteousness will go in through it.

21 I will give you praise, for you have given me an answer, and have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders put on one side has become the chief stone of the building.

23 This is the Lord's doing; it is a wonder in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the Lord has made; we will be full of joy and delight in it.

25 Send salvation now, O Lord; Lord, send us your blessing.

26 A blessing be on him who comes in the name of the Lord; we give you blessing from the house of the Lord.

27 The Lord is God, and he has given us light; let the holy dance be ordered with branches, even up to the horns of the altar.

Psalms 118:17-27 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.