Psalms 118:7-17

7 Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

10 Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD .

11 Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD .

12 They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD .

13 My enemies did their best to kill me, but the LORD rescued me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.

15 Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!

16 The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!

17 I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done.

Psalms 118:7-17 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.