Psalms 118:1

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!

Psalms 118:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:1

O give thanks unto the Lord
For all his mercies, temporal and spiritual; as all should, who are partakers of them: this should be done always, and for all things, in the name of Christ; it is but reasonable service;

for [he is] good;
in himself, and to others: is essentially and diffusively good; the fountain of all goodness, and the author of all good things;

because his mercy [endureth] for ever;
in his own heart, and in his covenant; his grace and lovingkindness displayed in Christ; the blessings and promises of it, which are the sure mercies of David: these always remain, notwithstanding the unworthiness of his people; and though he hides his face sometimes from them, and chastises them; see ( Psalms 106:1 ) ( 107:1 ) ; the goodness and mercy of God were seen in setting David on the throne; and abundantly more in giving Christ to be the Saviour of his people; for both which thanks should be given, and the kindness acknowledged, by the persons mentioned in the following verses.

Psalms 118:1 In-Context

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.