Psalm 118:1-25

1 Give ye thanks to Jehovah, For good, for to the age [is] His kindness.

2 I pray you, let Israel say, That, to the age [is] His kindness.

3 I pray you, let the house of Aaron say, That, to the age [is] His kindness.

4 I pray you, let those fearing Jehovah say, That, to the age [is] His kindness.

5 From the straitness I called Jah, Jah answered me in a broad place.

6 Jehovah [is] for me, I do not fear what man doth to me.

7 Jehovah [is] for me among my helpers, And I -- I look on those hating me.

8 Better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in man,

9 Better to take refuge in Jehovah, Than to trust in princes.

10 All nations have compassed me about, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off.

11 They have compassed me about, Yea, they have compassed me about, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off.

12 They compassed me about as bees, They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off.

13 Thou hast sorely thrust me to fall, And Jehovah hath helped me.

14 My strength and song [is] Jah, And He is to me for salvation.

15 A voice of singing and salvation, [Is] in the tents of the righteous, The right hand of Jehovah is doing valiantly.

16 The right hand of Jehovah is exalted, The right hand of Jehovah is doing valiantly.

17 I do not die, but live, And recount the works of Jah,

18 Jah hath sorely chastened me, And to death hath not given me up.

19 Open ye to me gates of righteousness, I enter into them -- I thank Jah.

20 This [is] the gate to Jehovah, The righteous enter into it.

21 I thank Thee, for Thou hast answered me, And art to me for salvation.

22 A stone the builders refused Hath become head of a corner.

23 From Jehovah hath this been, It [is] wonderful in our eyes,

24 This [is] the day Jehovah hath made, We rejoice and are glad in it.

25 I beseech Thee, O Jehovah, save, I pray Thee, I beseech Thee, O Jehovah, prosper, I pray Thee.

Psalm 118:1-25 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.