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.
Overview of Psalm 118
Psalm 118 is a part of the Hebrew Bible and is categorized as a part of the Hallel, which is recited during Jewish festivals. This psalm is notable for its themes of thanksgiving, trust in God, and the celebration of deliverance. It is often recognized for its liturgical significance and its use in Christian contexts, particularly during Easter celebrations.
Thematic Elements
- Thanksgiving: The psalm opens and closes with calls to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing gratitude as a central theme.
- Trust in God: The psalmist expresses unwavering faith in God, highlighting reliance on divine support over human assistance.
- Deliverance: The text recounts experiences of distress and subsequent rescue, illustrating the transformative power of faith.
- Victory: The psalm celebrates triumph over adversaries, symbolizing the ultimate victory of God’s people.
- Messianic Prophecy: The psalm includes verses that Christians interpret as prophetic references to Jesus Christ, particularly the “stone the builders rejected” motif.
Structure and Literary Devices
The structure of Psalm 118 is characterized by a series of refrains and repetitive phrases that enhance its poetic nature. The psalm can be divided into several sections:
- Opening Call to Thanksgiving (Verses 1-4): The psalmist begins with a universal invitation to give thanks.
- Personal Testimony of Deliverance (Verses 5-14): The psalmist recounts personal experiences of distress and deliverance, emphasizing God’s faithfulness.
- Community Affirmation (Verses 15-21): The psalm shifts to a communal perspective, celebrating the joy of salvation among God’s people.
- The Rejection of the Stone (Verses 22-24): This section introduces the metaphor of the stone, symbolizing rejection and subsequent exaltation.
- Final Praise and Declaration (Verses 25-29): The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation of God’s goodness and a reiteration of thanks.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
- This verse establishes the foundational theme of gratitude and the enduring nature of God’s love.
- Verse 6: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
- This verse encapsulates the theme of trust, emphasizing that divine presence offers protection against human threats.
- Verse 22: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
- This metaphor is pivotal in both Jewish and Christian interpretations, symbolizing unexpected triumph and the establishment of a new foundation.
- Verse 24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
- This verse is often cited in liturgical contexts, emphasizing joy and celebration in God’s creation and provision.
Theological Implications
Psalm 118 presents several theological implications that resonate across both Jewish and Christian traditions:
- The Nature of God: The psalm portrays God as a steadfast protector and a source of unfailing love.
- Human Response: The appropriate response to God’s faithfulness is gratitude and trust, regardless of circumstances.
- Community and Individual Faith: The psalm reflects both personal and communal aspects of faith, highlighting the importance of collective worship.
- Messianic Hope: The references to the rejected stone point to a broader narrative of redemption and hope for believers.
Conclusion
Psalm 118 serves as a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and hope. Its themes resonate deeply within the context of worship and personal reflection, making it a timeless piece of scripture that continues to inspire and uplift believers across generations.
