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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
1Praise yee the Lord, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer. 2Let Israel now say, That his mercy endureth for euer. 3Let the house of Aaron nowe say, That his mercy endureth for euer. 4Let them, that feare the Lord, nowe say, That his mercie endureth for euer. 5I called vpon the Lord in trouble, and the Lord heard me, and set me at large. 6The Lord is with mee: therefore I will not feare what man can doe vnto me. 7The Lord is with mee among them that helpe me: therefore shall I see my desire vpon mine enemies. 8It is better to trust in the Lord, then to haue confidence in man. 9It is better to trust in the Lord, then to haue confidence in princes. 10All nations haue compassed me: but in the Name of the Lord shall I destroy them. 11They haue compassed mee, yea, they haue compassed mee: but in the Name of the Lord I shall destroy them. 12They came about mee like bees, but they were quenched as a fire of thornes: for in the Name of the Lord I shall destroy them. 13Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall: but the Lord hath holpen me. 14The Lord is my strength and song: for he hath beene my deliuerance. 15The voice of ioy and deliuerance shall be in the tabernacles of the righteous, saying, The right hand of the Lord hath done valiantly. 16The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord hath done valiantly. 17I shall not die, but liue, and declare the woorkes of the Lord. 18The Lord hath chastened me sore, but he hath not deliuered me to death. 19Open ye vnto me the gates of righteousnes, that I may goe into them, and praise the Lord. 20This is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter into it. 21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard mee, and hast beene my deliuerance. 22The stone, which the builders refused, is the head of the corner. 23This was the Lordes doing, and it is marueilous in our eyes. 24This is the day, which the Lord hath made: let vs reioyce and be glad in it. 25O Lord, I praie thee, saue now: O Lord, I praie thee nowe giue prosperitie. 26Blessed be he, that commeth in the Name of the Lord: wee haue blessed you out of the house of the Lord. 27The Lord is mightie, and hath giuen vs light: binde the sacrifice with cordes vnto the hornes of the altar. 28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee, euen my God: therefore I will exalt thee. 29Praise ye the Lord, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer.