1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118 is a significant psalm in the Book of Psalms, a book in the Old Testament of the KJV Holy Bible. It is an exuberant hymn of praise and gratitude towards God, focusing on His enduring mercy and His role as a refuge and protector for His people. The psalm also contains prophetic elements, particularly concerning the Messiah, which are central to Christian interpretation. This essay explores the themes, context, and interpretations of Psalm 118, providing a comprehensive understanding of its significance within the biblical canon.
Psalm 118 is the last of the "Hallel" Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish religious festivals such as Passover. It is also recognized for its unique structure, which encompasses a call-and-response format, a feature that suggests its use in liturgical settings. The psalmist begins and ends the psalm with the same acknowledgment of God's enduring love: "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 118:1, 29).
The psalm consists of five main sections. The opening verses (1-4) invite various groups to acknowledge God's enduring love. The following section (5-13) is a personal testimony of deliverance from distress. Verses 14-21 are a song of victory, with God as the psalmist's strength and song. In verses 22-27, the psalmist shifts focus to the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, a strong metaphor often associated with the Messiah. The final verses (28-29) serve as a personal pledge of allegiance to God and a final exclamation of His enduring love.
Several key themes emerge in Psalm 118, each contributing to the overall message of the psalm. Foremost among these is the theme of God's enduring love and mercy. Repeatedly, the psalmist emphasizes God's steadfast love, which is everlasting and reliable. This divine love is not abstract but is concretely manifested in God's saving acts for His people.
The theme of deliverance is also central to Psalm 118. The psalmist vividly describes being in distress and calling on the Lord, who answered and set him free. This deliverance is not merely physical but also spiritual, signifying God's power to liberate His people from sin and death.
The psalm also emphasizes the theme of trust in God. Despite being surrounded by enemies, the psalmist expresses unwavering faith in God's ability to save. This trust is not passive but leads to action, as the psalmist confidently confronts his adversaries, declaring, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" (Psalm 118:6).
Finally, Psalm 118 contains the theme of divine reversal. This is most evident in the metaphor of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. Here, God's ways counter human expectations, as He exalts the lowly and humbles the proud. This theme of divine reversal is further emphasized in the psalmist's victory despite his previous distress.
Interpreting Psalm 118 requires considering its original context and its subsequent use in the New Testament. In its original context, the psalm likely served as a liturgical song of thanksgiving, sung by the Israelites as they celebrated God's deliverance and protection. However, Christian interpretation has often focused on the messianic implications of Psalm 118, particularly the metaphor of the rejected stone.
In the New Testament, both Jesus (Matthew 21:42) and Peter (Acts 4:11) quote Psalm 118:22-23 to explain Jesus' rejection and subsequent exaltation. This connection between Jesus and the rejected stone has led to the interpretation of Psalm 118 as a prophetic text, anticipating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Consequently, Psalm 118 is often read during Christian liturgies, particularly during the Easter season.
Psalm 118's emphasis on God's enduring love and mercy also holds significant Christian meaning. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to save. It encourages believers to trust in God, even in times of distress, and to give thanks for His enduring love.
In summary, Psalm 118 is a powerful hymn of praise and thanksgiving that celebrates God's enduring love, His deliverance, and His power to reverse human expectations. Its rich imagery and profound themes have made it a significant text both in its original Jewish context and in Christian interpretation. Whether read as a song of victory, a prophetic text, or a reminder of God's faithfulness, Psalm 118 continues to inspire and challenge its readers to trust in God's enduring love and to give thanks for His merciful acts.
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