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 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
1Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. 2Let Israel now say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. 3Let the house of Aaron now say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. 4Let them now that fear Jehovah say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. 5Out of my distress I called upon Jehovah: Jehovah answered me [and set me] in a large place. 6Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? 7Jehovah is on my side among them that help me: Therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man. 9It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in princes. 10All nations compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. 11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. 12They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. 13Thou didst thrust sore at me that I might fall; But Jehovah helped me. 14Jehovah is my strength and song; And he is become my salvation. 15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly. 16The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly. 17I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah. 18Jehovah hath chastened me sore; But he hath not given me over unto death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will enter into them, I will give thanks unto Jehovah. 20This is the gate of Jehovah; The righteous shall enter into it. 21I will give thanks unto thee; for thou hast answered me, And art become my salvation. 22The stone which the builders rejected Is become the head of the corner. 23This is Jehovah’s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes. 24This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25Save now, we beseech thee, O Jehovah: O Jehovah, we beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah: We have blessed you out of the house of Jehovah. 27Jehovah is God, and he hath given us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 28Thou art my God, and I will give thanks unto thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever.