Psalms 118:36-46

36 inclina cor meum in testimonia tua et non in avaritiam
37 averte oculos meos ne videant vanitatem in via tua vivifica me
38 statue servo tuo eloquium tuum in timore tuo
39 amputa obprobrium meum quod suspicatus sum quia iudicia tua iucunda
40 ecce concupivi mandata tua in aequitate tua vivifica me
41 vav et veniat super me misericordia tua Domine salutare tuum secundum eloquium tuum
42 et respondebo exprobrantibus mihi verbum quia speravi in sermonibus tuis
43 et ne auferas de ore meo verbum veritatis usquequaque quia in iudiciis tuis supersperavi
44 et custodiam legem tuam semper in saeculum et in saeculum saeculi
45 et ambulabam in latitudine quia mandata tua exquisivi
46 et loquebar in testimoniis tuis in conspectu regum et non confundebar

Psalms 118:36-46 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.