Psalms 118:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the day {H3117} which the LORD {H3068} hath made {H6213}; we will rejoice {H1523} and be glad {H8055} in it.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the day ADONAI has made, a day for us to rejoice and be glad.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 118:24 stands as a triumphant declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over time and an exhilarating summons to humanity. It asserts that every single day is a deliberate and purposeful creation of the Lord, not a random occurrence. This profound truth serves as a foundational impetus for believers to actively embrace and express exultant joy and deep gratitude, recognizing God's intentional hand in orchestrating each moment and inviting a response of gladness rooted in His enduring faithfulness and benevolent provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is the culminating psalm of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), and Hanukkah. It functions as a communal psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's steadfast love (`hesed`) and miraculous deliverance. The verses immediately preceding [Psalm 118:22-23](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22-23 - The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone") are particularly significant, speaking of "the stone which the builders rejected" becoming "the head of the corner." This imagery of a despised stone achieving ultimate prominence transitions directly into the jubilant celebration of "this day," strongly suggesting a divinely orchestrated, triumphant event that vindicates God's chosen one or people. The psalm moves from personal distress and national peril to a powerful crescendo of praise for God's saving power, culminating in a fervent call to enter the Lord's gates with thanksgiving.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of the Egyptian Hallel is the Exodus, recalling God's mighty acts of liberation that freed Israel from bondage in Egypt. This context imbues Psalm 118 with themes of divine intervention, national identity, and miraculous deliverance from overwhelming foes. The imagery of "the stone which the builders rejected" could allude to Israel's experiences of being marginalized or despised by surrounding nations, yet being divinely chosen and elevated by God as His unique people. While "this day" could refer to a specific historical triumph (e.g., a military victory, the dedication of the Second Temple), it also carries broader significance, encompassing any day of God's manifest deliverance and blessing. The communal singing of this psalm during festivals fostered a collective memory of God's faithfulness and a renewed commitment to worship and trust in His ongoing providence.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 118:24 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 118 and the broader Psalter. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God is explicitly declared the "maker" of "this day," emphasizing His active control over all of creation and history. This leads directly to the theme of **Joy and Thanksgiving**, as the appropriate human response to God's benevolent and purposeful rule is to "rejoice and be glad." The psalm also heavily features **God's Enduring `Hesed` (Steadfast Love)**, a theme reiterated throughout (e.g., [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - Give Thanks to the LORD")). Finally, the **Messianic Foreshadowing** of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (as powerfully articulated in [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Cornerstone")) sets the stage for "this day" to be understood not just as a historical event, but as pointing to a future, ultimate day of divine triumph and salvation, fulfilled in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yom'_):** While commonly referring to a 24-hour period, _yom_ in this context carries a deeper, more significant connotation of a divinely appointed time or occasion. It signifies a moment or period marked by God's special intervention, revelation, or accomplishment, rather than merely a chronological unit. It implies purpose, divine intention, and often, a pivotal turning point.
* **Made (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** This verb denotes active, purposeful creation, doing, or accomplishment. It emphasizes God's deliberate and intentional action in bringing this specific "day" into existence. It is not a passive observation but a powerful assertion of God's sovereign will and creative power actively at work in the fabric of time and history.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _gil_ or _yagil'_):** This word signifies exultant, overflowing joy, often expressed outwardly through shouting, singing, or dancing. It conveys a deep, unbridled delight that stems from a recognition of God's goodness, His acts of salvation, and His presence.
* **Be glad (Hebrew, _samach_ or _simchah'_):** This term conveys a more general sense of happiness, pleasure, and inner contentment. Paired with _gil_, it forms a comprehensive expression of joy, encompassing both internal delight and external celebration, indicating a profound and holistic response of gladness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the day":** This emphatic declaration points to a specific, significant day. In its original context, it could refer to a day of national deliverance, a festival day, or a moment of divine vindication. The demonstrative "this" highlights its unique importance, distinguishing it from ordinary days and marking it as divinely set apart.
* **"which the LORD hath made":** This clause unequivocally asserts divine authorship and sovereignty over the day. The day is not a product of human effort, chance, or fate, but a deliberate creation and orchestration of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It underscores His active involvement in history and His purposeful design in bringing this specific moment into existence.
* **"we will rejoice and be glad in it":** This is a communal, volitional response. It is not merely a suggestion but a determined commitment and a self-exhortation to celebrate. The double expression of joy ("rejoice and be glad") emphasizes the depth and totality of the desired response, indicating a profound and comprehensive delight in God's work and presence within this divinely appointed day. It is an act of the will to embrace the day with gladness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 118:24 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The verse begins with a strong **Declaration**, an unequivocal statement of divine authorship: "This is the day which the LORD hath made." This declarative statement establishes the foundational truth upon which the subsequent response is built. Following this, there is a **Volitional Imperative**, as "we will rejoice and be glad in it" functions as a communal resolve and an exhortation to respond appropriately. This is not a passive observation but an active, willed choice. The use of **Parallelism** in "rejoice and be glad" intensifies the emphasis on the desired emotional and spiritual response, creating a sense of completeness and totality in the joy. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Climax** within Psalm 118, serving as a triumphant conclusion to the narrative of God's deliverance and the vindication of the rejected stone, inviting the community to participate fully in the joy of God's ultimate victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 118:24 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty over time and His benevolent purpose for humanity. It teaches that every day is a divine gift, not merely a chronological progression, and therefore warrants a response of intentional joy and gratitude. This perspective transforms the mundane into the sacred, reminding believers that God's hand is continually at work, orchestrating events for His glory and His people's good. The command to "rejoice and be glad" is not based on fleeting circumstances but on the unchangeable character and faithfulness of the Lord, who is the ultimate source of all good. This theological truth grounds human experience in divine providence, fostering a spirit of hopeful expectation, resilient faith, and continuous worship, regardless of immediate conditions.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 118:24 offers a profound daily invitation to reorient our perspective and actively engage with life from a posture of faith and gratitude. In a world often marked by anxiety, despair, and the relentless pursuit of external validation, this verse calls us to recognize the divine authorship of each new day, transforming it from a mere passage of time into a sacred opportunity. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation to an active, volitional choice to "rejoice and be glad." This joy is not contingent on perfect circumstances or the absence of trials, but is rooted in the unwavering truth of God's sovereignty, His enduring love, and His providential care. It encourages us to approach each morning with intentionality, seeking to honor God in our thoughts, words, and deeds, and to find delight in His presence and provision, even amidst difficulties. Embracing this truth cultivates a resilient spirit, enabling us to face challenges with hope, knowing that the Lord who made this day is also sovereign over its outcomes and will work all things for good for those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the "maker" of each day change your perspective on daily challenges and opportunities?**
* **What practical steps can you take to intentionally "rejoice and be glad" in the day, even when circumstances are difficult or disappointing?**
* **How does the communal "we will rejoice" encourage a shared experience of joy and gratitude within the body of Christ, and how can you foster this in your community?**

### FAQ
**What does "this day" refer to in Psalm 118:24?**

Answer: In its original context, "this day" likely refers to a specific, significant day of national deliverance or celebration for Israel, such as a decisive military victory, the dedication of the Second Temple, or a major festival like Passover. It signifies a day marked by God's special intervention and blessing. However, its broader theological meaning extends to any day God has sovereignly ordained and blessed. For Christians, it takes on profound significance, particularly referring to the day of Christ's resurrection, which inaugurated a new era of salvation and triumph over death.

**Is the "rejoice and be glad" a command or a statement of intent?**

Answer: It functions as both. Grammatically, "we will rejoice and be glad" is a statement of communal resolve or determination, indicating a strong intention. However, in the context of wisdom literature and divine instruction, such statements often carry the force of a call or an implicit command. It is an exhortation to the community to adopt this posture of joy and gratitude, recognizing it as the appropriate and God-honoring response to His sovereign acts. It represents a volitional act, a choice to align one's heart with God's goodness, as seen in the New Testament exhortations to rejoice in the Lord always, such as [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always").

**How can one rejoice and be glad when facing difficult circumstances?**

Answer: The joy encouraged by Psalm 118:24 is not a superficial happiness dependent on external circumstances, but a deep, abiding joy rooted in the unchanging character and sovereignty of God. It is a choice to find gladness in God's presence and His ultimate control, even when immediate circumstances are painful or challenging. This is a spiritual discipline, a reorientation of perspective that trusts in God's purpose and provision beyond what is immediately visible. It is about finding joy *in* the Lord, as [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength") states, "the joy of the LORD is your strength." This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through faith and gratitude, enabling believers to endure and even thrive amidst adversity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 118:24 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the day of Jesus' resurrection. The preceding verses, speaking of "the stone which the builders rejected" becoming "the head of the corner" ([Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Cornerstone")), are directly applied to Christ by Jesus Himself ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - Jesus, the Rejected Stone")) and by the apostles ([Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - Peter on Jesus, the Cornerstone") and [1 Peter 2:7](/1_peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7 - Christ, the Living Stone")). Therefore, "this day which the LORD hath made" is preeminently the Resurrection Day, the first day of the week, when Christ triumphed over sin and death, establishing the new creation. It is the day that inaugurated the new covenant and opened the way for all believers to experience eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ") and [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Every Sunday, as Christians gather to worship, they are celebrating "this day"—the day of Christ's victory, the day of new beginnings, the day that forever changed human history and secured our salvation. This is the ultimate, enduring reason for believers to "rejoice and be glad," for in Christ's resurrection, God's greatest act of deliverance and love was fully revealed, empowering us to live in the joy of His finished work and the glorious hope of His coming kingdom ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

1 Kings 8:66

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.

2 Chronicles 20:26

And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

2 Chronicles 20:28

And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,