Psalms 118:3-13

3 Now let the house of Aharon say, "His grace continues forever."

4 Now let those who fear ADONAI say, "His grace continues forever."

5 From my being hemmed in I called on Yah; he answered and gave me more room.

6 With ADONAI on my side, I fear nothing -what can human beings do to me?

7 With ADONAI on my side as my help, I will look with triumph at those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in ADONAI than to trust in human beings;

9 better to take refuge in ADONAI than to put one's trust in princes.

10 The nations all surrounded me; in the name of ADONAI I cut them down.

11 They surrounded me on every side in the name of ADONAI I cut them down.

12 They surrounded me like bees but were extinguished [as quickly] as a fire in thorns; in the name of ADONAI I cut them down.

13 You pushed me hard to make me fall, but ADONAI helped me.

Psalms 118:3-13 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.