Psalms 118:4-14

4 Now let those who fear Yahweh say That his lovingkindness endures forever.

5 Out of my distress, I called on Yah. Yah answered me with freedom.

6 Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

7 Yahweh is on my side among those who help me. Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, Than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, Than to put confidence in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me, But in the name of Yahweh, I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the name of Yahweh I indeed cut them off.

12 They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the name of Yahweh I cut them off.

13 You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, But Yahweh helped me.

14 Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.

Psalms 118:4-14 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.