Psalms118

Psalm 118 opens with a universal call to give thanks to the LORD for His enduring mercy. The psalmist recounts a personal experience of distress from which the LORD delivered him, affirming that it is better to trust in God than in man or princes. This divine intervention leads to a declaration of the LORD as strength and salvation, and a resolve to live and declare His works. The chapter culminates in praise, acknowledging a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, and proclaiming a day of rejoicing made by the LORD.

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Call to Universal Thanksgiving

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

Testimony of Deliverance and Trust

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

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

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

All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

The Triumph of the Lord’s Power

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

Entering the Gates of Salvation

¶ Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

Final Vow and Doxology

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Study Notes for Psalms 118

Verse 1

Psalm 118 concludes the Egyptian Hallel (Pss. 113–118), traditionally sung during Passover. The opening refrain emphasizes God’s *hesed* (covenant love or enduring mercy), which is the foundation for all praise.

Verse 2

The comprehensive call to Israel, the priests (House of Aaron, v. 3), and all 'who fear the LORD' (v. 4) suggests a universal, liturgical setting for this declaration of praise.

Verse 5

The Psalmist recounts his personal crisis, praying from a place of 'distress.' God’s answer brought him into a 'large place,' a metaphor for freedom, security, and relief from restriction.

Verse 6

This verse is a classic statement of defiant faith, emphasizing that the presence of the Lord negates the power or threat of any human adversary. Paul later echoes this theme in Romans 8:31.

Verse 8

These verses serve as a central maxim of biblical wisdom. The Psalmist contrasts the futility of relying on mortal man (v. 8) or powerful rulers (v. 9) with the eternal reliability of trusting God.

Verse 12

The enemies are compared to 'bees'—numerous and aggressively swarming—but their power is temporary, extinguished quickly like the crackling, short-lived 'fire of thorns.'

Verse 14

This declaration is nearly identical to Exodus 15:2 (the Song of Moses), linking the Psalmist’s individual deliverance directly to God’s epic salvation history during the Exodus.

Verse 15

The 'tabernacles' refer to the dwellings of the righteous, indicating that the joy and sound of salvation are not confined to the Temple but permeate everyday life. The 'right hand of the LORD' symbolizes God’s active power.

Verse 17

This is a vow of commitment: the life preserved by God must now be used to 'declare the works of the LORD,' fulfilling the purpose of salvation.

Verse 18

The Psalmist acknowledges that the distress he experienced was not random misfortune but divine chastening (discipline) intended to correct and refine, not to destroy.

Verse 19

Having survived his ordeal, the Psalmist approaches the Temple gates ('gates of righteousness') to fulfill his vow of praise and offer thanksgiving.

Verse 22

This verse is highly significant, describing the vindication of a rejected figure. It is the most frequently quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament, applied by Jesus and the Apostles to Christ’s resurrection and role as the foundation of the Church (Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:11).

Verse 24

Based on the context of v. 22-23 (God’s marvelous work of vindication), 'this day' refers to the specific day of decisive divine intervention and victory which is now celebrated liturgically.

Verse 25

The Hebrew phrase *Hoshia-na* ('Save now!') is the source of the term 'Hosanna,' a joyous acclamation and plea for immediate deliverance, shouted during the celebration.

Verse 26

This is the traditional priestly blessing pronounced upon the worshipper entering the sanctuary. It was famously used by the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem, recognizing him as the promised King arriving 'in the name of the LORD.'

Verse 27

God is the source of 'light' (favor and guidance). The instruction to 'bind the sacrifice' refers to the liturgical preparation of the offering, tying the victim to the horns of the altar before its slaughter.

Verse 28

The psalm concludes with a deeply personal declaration, moving from the communal liturgy back to an intimate, singular commitment of praise to God.

Verse 29

This verse repeats the opening doxology (v. 1), providing a powerful, cyclical conclusion that affirms the eternal nature of God’s covenant mercy.

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Psalms118

Call to Universal Thanksgiving

Testimony of Deliverance and Trust

The Triumph of the Lord’s Power

Entering the Gates of Salvation

Final Vow and Doxology

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