Psalms 118:2-12

2 beati qui scrutantur testimonia eius in toto corde exquirent eum

3 non enim qui operantur iniquitatem in viis eius ambulaverunt

4 tu mandasti mandata tua custodire nimis

5 utinam dirigantur viae meae ad custodiendas iustificationes tuas

6 tunc non confundar cum perspexero in omnibus mandatis tuis

7 confitebor tibi in directione cordis in eo quod didici iudicia iustitiae tuae

8 iustificationes tuas custodiam non me derelinquas usquequaque

9 beth in quo corriget adulescentior viam suam in custodiendo sermones tuos

10 in toto corde meo exquisivi te non repellas me a mandatis tuis

11 in corde meo abscondi eloquia tua ut non peccem tibi

12 benedictus es Domine doce me iustificationes tuas

Psalms 118:2-12 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.