Psalms 118:6-16

6 The LORD is for me; I will not fear what man can do unto me.

7 The LORD takes my part with those that help me; therefore I shall see my desire upon those that hate me.

8 It is better to wait upon the LORD than to wait upon man.

9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

10 All the nations compassed me about; but in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

11 They compassed me about; yea, they laid hold of me; but in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

12 They compassed me about like bees; they were quenched as the fire of thorns; for in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

13 Thou hast thrust at me with violence that I might fall, but the LORD helped me.

14 JAH is my strength and song and is become my saving health.

15 The voice of singing and saving health is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Psalms 118:6-16 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.