Overview:

Psalm 118 is a profound and rich passage of scripture that carries a message of thanksgiving, deliverance, and divine sovereignty. The psalm is an expression of gratitude for God’s salvation, reciting the deliverance of Israel from oppression and trials. The psalmist praises the Lord for His enduring love and faithfulness, acknowledging God’s ultimate victory over enemies. This psalm emphasizes the role of God as a protector and savior and anticipates the coming of a Messiah. The themes of God’s steadfast love and the importance of trusting in Him are woven throughout the passage, making it a text of comfort and encouragement for God’s people.

Theologically, Psalm 118 highlights the sovereignty of God in both the personal and national context. It speaks to God’s authority over the events of history and calls His people to place their trust in Him alone. As a messianic psalm, Psalm 118 also points forward to the coming of Christ, making it central to understanding God’s plan of redemption. This chapter provides a foundation for the believer’s trust in God’s providence and His ultimate triumph over the forces of evil. The declaration of “the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (verse 22) is especially significant, as it is cited in the New Testament as referring to Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone of the Church and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Thus, Psalm 118 holds both historical significance for Israel and prophetic implications for the life and work of Jesus.

The psalm’s call for thanksgiving and praise serves as a reminder of God’s goodness and the importance of a thankful heart, regardless of the circumstances. It affirms the need for perseverance in faith, trusting that God’s will is good, and that His ultimate purpose will prevail.

Historical and Literary Context:

Psalm 118 is traditionally attributed to David, though it does not provide a direct historical context within the text. However, it is often understood as a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed after a significant military victory or deliverance from an enemy threat. It is part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113–118), which were sung during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover. These psalms reflect themes of salvation, redemption, and the people’s reliance on God for deliverance.

The literary structure of the psalm includes a call to thanksgiving, an acknowledgment of God’s deliverance, and an expression of trust in God’s eternal love. The psalmist recalls the history of Israel’s struggle and triumphs, calling for the people to recognize the enduring nature of God’s covenant love.

In light of the New Testament, Psalm 118 is considered a messianic psalm. Jesus Himself references the verse about the rejected stone in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, and Luke 20:17, signifying that Psalm 118’s ultimate fulfillment comes through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The psalm thus carries both historical and prophetic weight in understanding God’s work of salvation through Jesus.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

1. God’s Sovereignty: Psalm 118 affirms that God is in control of all circumstances, including deliverance from enemies. This theme reflects the doctrine of God’s absolute authority over His creation and His ability to intervene in human history to fulfill His purposes. The psalmist declares that the Lord is the source of victory and strength, not human effort or military might.
2. God’s Steadfast Love: A key doctrinal point in the psalm is the repetition of God’s enduring, faithful love. This “hesed” (Hebrew for steadfast love) is central to God’s covenant relationship with Israel and is celebrated as unchanging and eternal. The psalmist calls the people to remember God’s love and to praise Him for His faithfulness.
3. Trusting in God: The psalm contrasts trusting in human strength or political alliances with trusting in the Lord. It emphasizes that trusting in God leads to security and salvation, whereas placing trust in human systems leads to failure. This echoes the evangelical belief that faith in God is the foundation of salvation.
4. Messianic Hope: The prophecy of the rejected stone (Psalm 118:22) points directly to Jesus Christ. This verse is understood as referring to Christ, who was rejected by the Jewish leaders but became the cornerstone of the Church (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20). Christ’s role as the cornerstone is foundational to the Church’s belief in salvation through faith in Him.
5. Victory Through God: The psalm emphasizes that victory over enemies comes not by human might but by God’s intervention. It reminds the believer that all victory, both spiritual and physical, is a result of God’s grace and power. It encourages a heart of humility and thanksgiving for God’s deliverance.
6. The Power of Praise: The call to give thanks to the Lord is a major theme in this psalm. The psalmist exemplifies the importance of praise and thanksgiving as an appropriate response to God’s faithfulness and deliverance. This theme aligns with the broader evangelical understanding that worship and gratitude should characterize the believer’s life.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Verse 1: 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. The command to give thanks is grounded in two key theological truths: God’s goodness and His steadfast love. The phrase “his love endures forever” emphasizes that God’s covenantal love for His people is eternal and unchanging. This is foundational to understanding God’s character and the believer’s relationship with Him. For the Christian, it is a reminder of the ultimate expression of God’s love—Jesus Christ, whose love and sacrifice endure forever.

Verse 2: 

“Let Israel say: ‘His love endures forever.'”

Here, the psalmist calls the entire nation of Israel to join in this declaration of praise. It serves as an invitation to all God’s people to publicly acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness. The repetition of the phrase “His love endures forever” reinforces the centrality of God’s faithful love in the life of the believer. In Christian worship, this might parallel the call to the congregation to remember God’s enduring love and celebrate it together.

Verse 3: 

“Let the house of Aaron say: ‘His love endures forever.'”

The “house of Aaron” refers to the priestly family, who played a special role in the worship and intercession for Israel. The call for the priests to proclaim God’s enduring love highlights their role as leaders in encouraging the people to give thanks. It’s a reminder for church leaders today to model worship and lead the congregation in giving thanks for God’s enduring love.

Verse 4: 

“Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.'”

This extends the call to those who fear the Lord, encompassing not just Israel and the priesthood but anyone who acknowledges God’s authority. This statement serves to unite all believers—both Jews and Gentiles in Christ—under the umbrella of God’s eternal love. This truth transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing that God’s love is available to all who revere Him.

Verse 5: 

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.”

The psalmist recounts a personal experience of distress and deliverance. The phrase “hard pressed” suggests a time of significant trouble or oppression. In this, the psalmist models the appropriate response to affliction—crying out to God in prayer. God’s deliverance is described as bringing the psalmist into a “spacious place,” symbolizing freedom, peace, and safety. For Christians, this serves as an encouragement to trust God in times of difficulty, knowing He will provide a way of escape and comfort.

Verse 6: 

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Here, the psalmist confidently declares that God’s presence dispels fear. The rhetorical question challenges the believer to consider the insignificance of human threats when contrasted with God’s power and protection. This verse is a declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty and a reminder for Christians today that no earthly power can separate them from God’s protection and love.

Verse 7: 

“The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”

The psalmist again expresses confidence in God’s presence and help. The idea of “triumphing over enemies” does not suggest revenge, but rather the assurance of victory over any opposition that stands against God’s will. For believers, this can be applied to spiritual battles, where the victory is already assured through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Verse 8: 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”

This verse reinforces the theme of trusting God rather than relying on human strength. The wisdom here is that people, no matter how powerful or trustworthy they may seem, are ultimately fallible. Christians are reminded to place their ultimate trust in God, who is all-powerful and faithful. This message also challenges believers to avoid the temptation to put their hope in wealth, status, or political systems, which are all subject to change.

Verse 9: 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”

This repetition further underscores the futility of trusting in earthly rulers. “Princes” represent the political powers of the time, and the psalmist contrasts their temporary power with the eternal power of God. This is a reminder for modern Christians not to place ultimate trust in any political system or leader but in the eternal rule of God.

Verses 10-12: 

“All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down.”

These verses recount the psalmist’s victory over enemies. The imagery of “cutting down” enemies in God’s name emphasizes that the victory was not due to the psalmist’s strength but because of God’s intervention. The imagery of “swarming bees” and “burning thorns” portrays the intensity and danger of the opposition, yet these forces are quickly overcome by God’s power. Christians today can be encouraged by the reminder that God fights on their behalf, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Verse 13: 

“I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.”

This verse illustrates the psalmist’s vulnerability and dependence on God’s help. Even when on the verge of collapse, God steps in to provide support. For Christians, it’s a powerful reminder that in our weaknesses, God’s strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Psalm 118 is a psalm that reflects both personal deliverance and communal hope, and its themes point directly to Christ and the broader redemptive story. The psalm begins with the declaration of God’s enduring love and the call to give thanks, which is a reflection of God’s eternal faithfulness and covenant love. Jesus Christ embodies this very love, especially in His sacrifice on the cross, where God’s love was displayed in its fullest measure. When the psalmist calls for trust in God rather than human rulers or power (Psalm 118:8-9), it points to the ultimate trust that believers are called to place in Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God’s love and authority. The key verse in the psalm, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22), is directly quoted by Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17). Jesus identifies Himself as the rejected stone, signifying that He is the central figure of God’s redemptive plan. Through His rejection and subsequent resurrection, He becomes the foundation of the church and the means of salvation for all who believe. Psalm 118 thus points to the climax of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ, the true and living cornerstone.

Show How the Chapter Connects to the Father:

Throughout Psalm 118, the relationship between the believer and God the Father is central. The psalm opens with an invitation to give thanks to the Lord, which is the appropriate response to God’s goodness and enduring love. God is depicted as a deliverer who rescues His people in times of trouble. This directly reflects the role of God the Father in the broader redemptive narrative. Just as God the Father delivered Israel from physical enemies, He delivers His people today through the work of Christ. In the life of Jesus, we see a clear revelation of the Father’s heart for His people—He is compassionate, merciful, and steadfast in love. In Psalm 118:6, the psalmist declares, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid,” which echoes the Father’s presence with His people throughout history and particularly in the sending of His Son, who would be “Emmanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Christ, God the Father’s faithfulness to His people is fully revealed, as He not only rescues from enemies but provides salvation from sin.

Show How the Chapter Connects to the Holy Spirit:

While the Holy Spirit is not directly mentioned in Psalm 118, there are significant theological connections that point to His work in the broader redemptive narrative. In verse 14, the psalmist proclaims, “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” This echoes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in victory over sin and provides strength in times of trial. The Spirit works in the believer’s life by applying the work of Christ to their hearts, confirming that Christ is indeed the cornerstone and the source of salvation. The theme of God’s presence, so central to the psalm, also aligns with the role of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers and is the guarantee of their inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). The psalmist’s victory, assurance, and the cry of deliverance are all made possible because of the Spirit’s power in the lives of God’s people, helping them to walk in alignment with God’s will and providing comfort in distress.

Connection to God’s Love:

God’s love is at the heart of Psalm 118. The opening verse proclaims that “His love endures forever,” a theme that echoes throughout the entire psalm. This love is not merely a passive affection, but an active love that delivers, protects, and sustains God’s people. The psalmist reflects on God’s past faithfulness in delivering Israel from oppression, and this same love is demonstrated supremely in the work of Jesus Christ. The psalm’s reflection on God’s goodness in times of distress points forward to the redemptive love seen in Christ, who endured the ultimate suffering to bring deliverance to humanity. Jesus, the rejected stone, was ultimately raised as the cornerstone, the foundation upon which God’s people are built (Psalm 118:22). This act of love is not limited to one historical moment but continues through the work of Christ today. In the cross, we see God’s love fully displayed, as Christ’s sacrifice is the means by which God restores and reconciles His people to Himself. The psalm’s emphasis on thanksgiving and praise reflects the appropriate response to God’s love: believers are called to worship and give thanks for His saving grace, which is made possible through Christ’s death, resurrection, and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Lord is My Strength and My Salvation”

Introduction

• Opening Statement: Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving that reflects God’s deliverance and steadfast love. The psalmist recalls the faithfulness of God through deliverance and calls the people of God to give thanks for His enduring love and faithfulness.
• Purpose of the Sermon: In this sermon, we will explore how this psalm points us to Christ as the ultimate deliverer, how the Father’s love is revealed through Jesus, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith today.
• Transition: Let’s dive into Psalm 118 and see how it speaks to our lives today, both as individuals and as the body of Christ.

Main Point 1: God’s Steadfast Love is the Foundation of Our Thanksgiving (Psalm 118:1-4)

• Explanation: The psalm opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring love. The theme of God’s love enduring forever is central to the psalm.
• Application: In our lives, we are to be a people marked by gratitude. Our thankfulness isn’t just for what God has done, but because of who He is—His love never fails.
• Example: Think of a time when you were in difficulty and felt the presence of God. That moment might be when God’s steadfast love became most apparent. Reflect on that moment and let it spur you to praise Him.
• Transition: This love is not only the foundation for our thanksgiving but also the source of our strength in times of trouble.

Main Point 2: In Times of Trouble, God is Our Deliverer (Psalm 118:5-14)

• Explanation: The psalmist recounts the distress he faced, but even in the face of enemies, God provided strength and deliverance.
• Application: When we face trials and hardships, it is tempting to rely on our own strength or on temporary solutions. But this psalm teaches us to place our trust in God alone, for He is our strength and deliverer.
• Illustration: Share a story of someone in the congregation or a well-known figure who experienced hardship but found strength in God through prayer or the support of the church. Example: The story of a missionary who faced life-threatening conditions but trusted God for protection and provision.
• Transition: God’s deliverance also shows us His sovereignty, and His victory points to the ultimate victory we have in Jesus Christ.

Main Point 3: Jesus is the Cornerstone of God’s Plan (Psalm 118:22-24)

• Explanation: Psalm 118:22 is quoted in the Gospels as referring to Jesus—the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this passage, the one whom Israel rejected but through whom salvation comes.
• Application: As Christians, our lives must be built upon Christ, the cornerstone. Just as a building is sturdy and aligned when built on a solid foundation, so our lives are meant to be built on the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection.
• Example: Reflect on a life built on Christ. Share a testimony or story of someone whose life has been transformed by Christ—their foundation was changed, and now they live with purpose, joy, and peace.
• Transition: Building our lives on Christ involves submitting to God’s will, and this leads us to a life of worship and praise.

Main Point 4: Our Response to God’s Love is Worship and Obedience (Psalm 118:28-29)

• Explanation: The psalmist ends with a declaration of worship and obedience to God. He recognizes God’s mighty acts and praises Him for the great things He has done.
• Application: Our response to God’s love should be a life of worship, not just in song but in our daily actions. We are to obey His Word and live in a way that reflects His glory.
• Illustration: Imagine someone who has received a great gift. How would they show their gratitude? Through using that gift well. In the same way, we show our gratitude to God by using the gift of life He has given us for His glory.
• Conclusion: God’s love demands a response. How will you respond? Let us commit to worshiping God with our whole lives.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

• Summarize Key Points: God’s steadfast love is the foundation for our lives, our deliverance, and our hope. Jesus Christ, the rejected stone, has become the cornerstone of our faith, and our response to Him should be one of worship and obedience.
• Call to Action: Let’s commit ourselves to trust in God as our deliverer, build our lives on the foundation of Christ, and worship Him with all our hearts. As we face challenges in our lives, let us look to Christ, the cornerstone, for strength, deliverance, and hope.
• Closing Prayer: Ask God to help each person apply the truths of this psalm to their lives, to trust in His enduring love, and to build their lives on the foundation of Christ.

Illustrations and Examples

• Illustration of God’s Deliverance: Share a story about someone who faced hardship—whether personal or in the community—and trusted in God for deliverance. For instance, a story about a Christian overcoming a serious illness through faith or a community supporting someone through financial hardship.
• The Cornerstone Analogy: Use the analogy of a building being constructed with a foundation. If a building is not built on a firm foundation, it will collapse. Similarly, a life not built on Christ’s truth will falter in times of trial. Ask the congregation to reflect on whether their lives are founded on Christ.
• Living with Purpose: Share the example of a well-known figure, such as a missionary, who has dedicated their life to God because they believe their purpose is grounded in Him. Or use a local example of someone living out their faith in service, demonstrating obedience and worship through action.

Application for Today’s Christian

• Discipleship: The psalm invites us to grow in our trust and dependence on God. How can we disciple others in this? Encourage small groups to meet regularly to study God’s Word, support each other in trust, and grow in obedience.
• Stewardship: Just as the psalmist acknowledges the Lord’s work in his life, we too should acknowledge God’s provision by being good stewards of what He has given us. This could be in the area of time, talents, or finances. Challenge the congregation to be mindful stewards in all areas.
• Living Out Our Faith: Our worship is not just about singing or attending church but living out our faith every day. How can we serve others, speak truth, and reflect God’s glory in our daily lives? Challenge the congregation to live with intentionality, loving their neighbors and serving the world around them.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does recognizing God’s steadfast love as the foundation of our lives change the way we approach challenges and hardships in our lives? Reflect on personal experiences where God’s love has been a source of strength during difficult times. How can you lean into His love more intentionally in the future?
2. In what ways have you experienced Christ as the cornerstone in your life? Consider moments when Christ has been the foundation for your decisions, your peace, or your direction. How can you build your life more firmly on Him moving forward?
3. How does your response to God’s love reflect in your actions and daily life? Are there areas of your life where you need to realign your actions to reflect gratitude and obedience to God’s love? How can you make your worship more than just words, but actions that honor God daily?
4. What does it mean for you to “give thanks to the Lord for He is good”? How can this act of gratitude become a central part of your spiritual practice? Reflect on how you express thankfulness to God. Are there new or different ways you can intentionally incorporate gratitude into your daily life, even during difficult circumstances?
5. In light of God’s faithfulness, how do you find strength in His promises when facing uncertainty or fear? Think about specific promises in Scripture that have given you comfort or assurance in times of uncertainty. How can you more deeply rely on these promises in the future?
6. How can you live out the message of Psalm 118 by showing love and mercy to others, especially those who may feel rejected or isolated? Consider how God’s love has been shown to you, and think about practical ways you can mirror this love toward others, whether it’s through acts of kindness, encouragement, or reconciliation.