Psalms 118:24

Psalm 118:24 (KJV) declares a profound truth about God's sovereignty over time and His call for His people to respond with joy. This verse, often quoted and beloved, serves as a powerful reminder of divine providence and the appropriate human response of gladness.

Context of Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), and Hanukkah. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring love, deliverance, and faithfulness to His people. The broader context speaks of national deliverance from enemies, the enduring mercy of the Lord, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. Notably, the preceding verses, Psalm 118:22-23, speak of "the stone which the builders rejected" becoming "the head of the corner," a passage famously applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11).

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty: The opening phrase, "This is the day which the LORD hath made," unequivocally asserts God's ultimate control over all of creation and time. Every day is not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed gift, fashioned and orchestrated by the Almighty. This highlights God's active involvement in human history and individual lives.
• A Call to Rejoice: Following the declaration of God's making the day, the psalmist issues a joyful command: "we will rejoice and be glad in it." This isn't a passive observation but an active decision to embrace and celebrate the day, recognizing its divine origin and purpose. It's a testament to finding joy regardless of circumstances, rooted in God's presence and provision.
• Messianic Significance: While applicable to any day of God's blessing, Christian tradition often interprets "this day" with profound messianic meaning, particularly referring to the day of Christ's resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week (John 20:1) marked a new era of salvation and triumph over death, making it the ultimate "day which the LORD hath made" for believers to rejoice in.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "day" is yom (יוֹם), which can refer to a literal 24-hour period, a period of time, or a significant event. Here, it carries the weight of a divinely appointed and significant occasion. The verb "hath made" comes from asah (עָשָׂה), meaning to make, do, create, or appoint. It emphasizes God's deliberate and purposeful action in bringing this day into existence. The terms for "rejoice" (gil or yagil) and "be glad" (samach or simchah) convey deep, exultant joy and delight, not just fleeting happiness.

Practical Application

Psalm 118:24 offers a powerful daily reminder for believers:

• Embrace Each Day: Every morning is an opportunity to acknowledge God's faithfulness and provision. Regardless of the challenges or uncertainties, each day is a gift from the Lord, meant to be lived with purpose and gratitude.
• Cultivate Gratitude: This verse encourages an attitude of thanksgiving for the simple fact of existence and the opportunities each new day brings. It shifts focus from what might be wrong to what God has provided.
• Choose Joy: The command "we will rejoice and be glad in it" is an act of the will. It's a decision to find joy in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are difficult. This joy is not dependent on external factors but on the internal reality of God's presence and control. As Philippians 4:4 states, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

In essence, Psalm 118:24 is an invitation to live with intentional joy and profound gratitude, recognizing that every moment is orchestrated by a loving and sovereign God.