Psalms 118:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} be he that cometh {H935} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}: we have blessed {H1288} you out of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI. We bless you from the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:26 is a profound declaration of blessing, originally serving as an antiphonal greeting within Israelite worship, likely pronounced by priests upon pilgrims entering the Temple. It encapsulates themes of divine authorization, the sacred source of blessing, and prophetic anticipation. This verse, brimming with spiritual and eschatological significance, finds its ultimate and most celebrated fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where it became a foundational acclamation of His messianic identity and divine commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 concludes the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms sung during major Jewish festivals, most notably Passover. As a psalm of thanksgiving, it celebrates God's enduring steadfast love and miraculous deliverance of His people from distress. The verses immediately preceding [Psalms 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalms 118:26 - Blessed is He Who Comes") describe a joyous procession to the Temple, with the psalmist recounting personal and national deliverance and declaring trust in the Lord over human power. Within this celebratory context, verse 26 functions as a climactic greeting, likely exchanged between those inside the Temple and those approaching or entering its gates, signifying a divinely sanctioned welcome and blessing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this verse is deeply rooted in the worship practices of ancient Israel, particularly during the great pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot/Tabernacles). During these times, countless pilgrims would ascend to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, the "house of the LORD." It was customary for priests or Levites stationed at the Temple gates to offer blessings or greetings to the arriving worshippers, and for the pilgrims to respond in kind. The phrase "in the name of the LORD" carries immense weight, signifying an action performed under the explicit authority, character, and presence of Yahweh. The "house of the LORD" refers specifically to the Jerusalem Temple, the central locus of Israelite worship and the perceived dwelling place of God's manifest presence, as seen in passages like [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1-kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Temple").

* **Key Themes:** Three major themes converge in [Psalms 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalms 118:26 - Blessed is He Who Comes"). Firstly, **Divine Authorization and Welcome** is central; the one who "cometh in the name of the LORD" is recognized as acting with divine sanction and purpose, or is divinely blessed in their arrival. This welcome extends to anyone approaching God's presence in a proper, authorized manner. Secondly, the theme of **Priestly Blessing** is evident in the second clause, "we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD." This highlights the Temple as the sacred source and conduit of God's favor, with the blessing pronounced by those ministering within its holy precincts, underscoring their role as mediators of divine grace. Finally, and most profoundly, the verse carries significant **Messianic Prophecy**. Its later application by the crowds during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), [Mark 11:9](/mark/11-9 "Mark 11:9 - The Crowd's Acclamation"), [Luke 19:38](/luke/19-38 "Luke 19:38 - The Disciples' Joyful Praise"), and [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Palm Branches"), unequivocally identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the one uniquely appointed and empowered by God to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruch_):** This word signifies more than mere happiness; it denotes praise, adoration, and the imparting of divine favor. To be "blessed" by God means to receive His goodness, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. When humans "bless" God, it is an act of praise and adoration, acknowledging His inherent goodness and sovereignty. When God "blesses" humans, it is an act of conferring favor and benefit.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem_):** In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" was not just a label but encapsulated the very character, authority, and presence of a person or deity. To act "in the name of the LORD" (Hebrew, _b'shem YHWH_) means to act under the full authority, by the power, and as a representative of Yahweh Himself, embodying His character and purpose. It implies divine commission and empowerment.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _beit YHWH_):** This phrase unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people, the designated place for worship, sacrifice, and the reception of divine blessing. It symbolized the intersection of the divine and human realms, the source from which God's favor extended to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD":** This clause serves as a welcoming acclamation for an individual who arrives with divine authorization. It is a recognition that the person's presence, purpose, and actions are sanctioned and empowered by God Himself. This could apply to a priest, a prophet, a king, or a pilgrim, but its ultimate prophetic scope points to the unique figure of the Messiah, whose entire being and mission are "in the name of the LORD."
* **"we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD":** This second clause signifies a reciprocal blessing, or perhaps a blessing pronounced by those already within the Temple (the priests or Levites) upon those who are arriving. The phrase "out of the house of the LORD" emphasizes that the blessing originates from the sacred space, the very dwelling place of God's presence. It underscores the Temple's role as a conduit of divine favor and a source of spiritual nourishment for God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:26 exhibits several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Antiphonal Structure**, which is characteristic of the Hallel psalms. This verse likely represents a call-and-response, where pilgrims or a procession cry out the first part ("Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD"), and the priests or those within the Temple respond with the second part ("we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD"). This creates a dynamic, interactive liturgical experience. There is also an element of **Inclusio** within Psalm 118, as the psalm begins and ends with the refrain "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (verses 1, 29), framing the entire psalm with a declaration of God's enduring mercy. The phrase "in the name of the LORD" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire character, authority, and presence of God, signifying divine commission and empowerment. Finally, the "house of the LORD" serves as a potent **Symbolism** for God's dwelling place, the source of blessing, and the center of Israel's spiritual life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:26 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan of salvation and His desire to welcome His people into His presence. Theologically, it highlights the concept of divine authority and the necessity of approaching God on His terms, through His appointed representatives. The Temple, as the "house of the LORD," is presented as the sacred space from which God's blessing flows, underscoring the importance of consecrated places and priestly mediation in the Old Covenant. This verse also profoundly foreshadows the arrival of the Messiah, the ultimate "He that cometh in the name of the LORD," who would perfectly embody divine authority and bring the ultimate blessing from God's presence. Its fulfillment in Christ transforms the understanding of God's "house" from a physical structure to a spiritual reality, encompassing both Christ's body and the community of believers.

* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Aaronic Blessing")
* [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")
* [Luke 19:38](/luke/19-38 "Luke 19:38 - The Disciples' Joyful Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:26, with its dual message of divine welcome and priestly blessing, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate "He that cometh in the name of the LORD" transforms our understanding of access to God. It reminds us that all true blessing and authority flow from Him, and it is through His name that we are welcomed into God's presence. Our worship, prayers, and service should be offered "in the name of the LORD," signifying our reliance on Christ's authority and mediation, not our own merit. Furthermore, as the Church, we are now the spiritual "house of the LORD," called to be a conduit of God's blessing to a broken world. Just as the priests blessed from the Temple, we are commissioned to extend God's love, grace, and truth to those around us, reflecting the divine welcome and favor we have received in Christ. This verse thus calls us to both humble reception of God's blessing and active participation in its outward extension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as "He who comes in the name of the LORD" deepen your worship and sense of security in your relationship with God?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as part of God's spiritual "house" (the Church), be a conduit of blessing to your family, community, or workplace?**
* **What does it mean for you to approach God "in the name of the LORD" in your daily prayers and decisions?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse exclusively a prophecy about Jesus, or did it have an earlier meaning?**

Answer: While Psalms 118:26 finds its climactic and most significant fulfillment in Jesus Christ, it did have an original, immediate context. In its initial setting, it was likely an antiphonal greeting exchanged during Temple worship, possibly between pilgrims entering the "house of the LORD" and the priests or Levites ministering within. The phrase "he that cometh in the name of the LORD" could refer to any authorized individual, such as a priest, a returning king, or even a devout pilgrim, who was approaching God's presence with proper reverence and divine sanction. However, the New Testament's consistent application of this verse to Jesus during His triumphal entry (e.g., [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry") and [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Crowd's Acclamation")) reveals its ultimate, divinely intended messianic significance, far surpassing its initial liturgical use.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" represents the full character, authority, and presence of an individual. Therefore, to come "in the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: _b'shem YHWH_) signifies acting under the explicit authority and power of God Himself. It means to be God's representative, embodying His character and carrying out His will. It implies divine commission and empowerment, indicating that the one who comes is not acting on their own initiative but as an agent of the Almighty. This concept is crucial for understanding the authority of prophets, priests, and ultimately, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied God's character and acted with His full authority, as seen in passages like [John 5:43](/john/5-43 "John 5:43 - Jesus Comes in His Father's Name") and [John 10:25](/john/10-25 "John 10:25 - Jesus' Works in His Father's Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:26 finds its most profound and climactic fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The shouts of the crowds during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, proclaiming "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!" (as recorded in [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), [Mark 11:9](/mark/11-9 "Mark 11:9 - The Crowd's Acclamation"), [Luke 19:38](/luke/19-38 "Luke 19:38 - The Disciples' Joyful Praise"), and [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Palm Branches")), were a direct and divinely orchestrated acclamation of His messianic identity. Jesus is the ultimate "He that cometh in the name of the LORD," uniquely sent by the Father, bearing His full authority and embodying His very character ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). He is the one through whom all blessing flows from God's "house"—not merely the physical Temple, but the spiritual reality of God's presence now made accessible through Him. As the true High Priest, Jesus has entered the heavenly sanctuary, not made with hands, and through His sacrifice, He has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the ancient greeting of welcome transforms into a timeless declaration of Christ's unique role as the divinely appointed Savior, King, and the very embodiment of God's blessing for humanity. Through Him, we, the Church, become the spiritual "house of the LORD" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")), from whom God's blessing continues to flow to the world.

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

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Matthew 23:39

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Luke 13:35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Mark 11:9

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Mark 11:10

Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.