Psalms 118
Psalms 118 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 118 summary
It is probable that David penned this psalm when he had, after many a story, weathered his point at last, and gained a full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed. He then invites and stirs up his friends to join with him, not only in a cheerful acknowledgment of God's goodness and a cheerful dependence upon that goodness for the future, but in a believing expectation of the promised Messiah, of whose kingdom and his exaltation to it his were typical. To him, it is certain, the prophet here bears witness, in the latter part of the psalm. Christ himself applies it to himself (Mat 21:42), and the former part of the psalm may…
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It is probable that David penned this psalm when he had, after many a story, weathered his point at last, and gained a full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed. He then invites and stirs up his friends to join with him, not only in a cheerful acknowledgment of God's goodness and a cheerful dependence upon that goodness for the future, but in a believing expectation of the promised Messiah, of whose kingdom and his exaltation to it his were typical. To him, it is certain, the prophet here bears witness, in the latter part of the psalm. Christ himself applies it to himself (Mat 21:42), and the former part of the psalm may fairly, and without forcing, be accommodated to him and his undertaking. Some think it was first calculated for the solemnity of the bringing of the ark to the city of David, and was afterwards sung at the feast of tabernacles. In it, I. David calls upon all about him to give to God the glory of his goodness (Psa 118:1-4). II. He encourages himself and others to trust in God, from the experience he had had of God's power and pity in the great and kind things he had done for him (Psa 118:5-18). III. He gives thanks for his advancement to the throne, as it was a figure of the exaltation of Christ (Psa 118:19-23). IV. The people, the priests, and the psalmist himself, triumph in the prospect of the Redeemer's kingdom (Psa 118:24-29). In singing this psalm we must glorify God for his goodness, his goodness to us, and especially his goodness to us in Jesus Christ.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 118
Psalms 118 (WEB)
World English Bible (public domain)
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. 2Let Israel now say that his loving kindness endures forever. 3Let the house of Aaron now say that his loving kindness endures forever. 4Now let those who fear the LORD say that his loving kindness endures forever. 5Out of my distress, I called on the LORD. The LORD answered me with freedom. 6The LORD is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7The LORD is on my side among those who help me. Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes. 10All the nations surrounded me, but in the LORD’s name I cut them off. 11They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the LORD’s name I indeed cut them off. 12They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the LORD’s name I cut them off. 13You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but the LORD helped me. 14The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. 15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. 16The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” 17I will not die, but live, and declare the LORD’s works. 18The LORD has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to the LORD. 20This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter into it. 21I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. 22The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23This is the LORD’s doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. 24This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it! 25Save us now, we beg you, LORD! LORD, we beg you, send prosperity now. 26Blessed is he who comes in the LORD’s name! We have blessed you out of the LORD’s house. 27The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. 28You are my God, and I will give thanks to you. You are my God, I will exalt you. 29Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.