Overview of Psalm 118

Introduction

Psalm 118 is a communal hymn of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s enduring mercy and deliverance. It is part of the “Hallel” sequence used during Jewish feasts, including Passover, and is significant for its messianic implications, especially as quoted in the New Testament. This psalm blends individual thanksgiving with communal praise, reflecting both personal and collective experiences of God’s salvation.

Invocation to Praise God for His Steadfast Love (Psalm 118:1-4)

The psalm begins with a call for all Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to proclaim, “His steadfast love endures forever.” This refrain sets a foundation of praise, emphasizing God’s unwavering mercy as a central theme.

Universal Call to Acknowledge God’s Mercy

This section emphasizes the inclusiveness of God’s mercy, inviting diverse groups to unite in celebrating His enduring love, showcasing a collective acknowledgment of divine faithfulness.

Personal Testimony of Deliverance (Psalm 118:5-18)

The psalmist shares a personal account of distress, calling on the Lord in a moment of great peril. The narrative describes how the Lord answered and provided refuge, contrasting God’s help with the unreliability of human support. The psalmist recounts how he was surrounded and attacked but ultimately delivered by God’s power.

Celebration of God’s Saving Power

This part focuses on the dynamic interaction between the psalmist’s pleas and God’s responses. It highlights the themes of trust and deliverance, illustrating God’s ability to save even in dire circumstances.

The Stone the Builders Rejected (Psalm 118:19-29)

This segment includes a procession to the temple gates, where the psalmist seeks to enter and give thanks. Verse 22, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” is notably messianic, interpreted in the New Testament as prophetic of Jesus Christ. The psalm concludes with a call to rejoice and celebrate the day God has made, acknowledging His deeds and requesting continued salvation and prosperity.

Messianic Prophecy and Final Praise

The discussion of the cornerstone rejected by builders but later becoming pivotal is a powerful metaphor for Jesus’ ministry, as He was rejected by many but exalted by God. This section culminates in a festive affirmation of God’s goodness and a prayer for ongoing blessings.

Connections and Theological Implications

Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 118 is directly connected to Jesus Christ, particularly through the “cornerstone” verse, which Jesus and the apostles quoted to describe His crucifixion and subsequent exaltation (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7). The psalm’s themes of salvation and joyous victory resonate through Christ’s resurrection, celebrated as the ultimate deliverance and victory over death.

God’s Love for the World

This psalm demonstrates God’s love by illustrating His readiness to save and His delight in the welfare of His followers. It portrays a God who is actively involved in the lives of those who call upon Him, providing not just temporary relief but eternal salvation, reflecting His deep and enduring commitment to those He loves.

Relevance Today

Psalm 118 remains profoundly relevant today for several reasons:

• Encouragement in Trials: It provides believers with assurance that God hears and responds to their cries for help, reinforcing trust in His protective care.
• Foundation for Worship and Celebration: The psalm serves as a foundation for worship, encouraging believers to rejoice in God’s goodness and celebrate His deeds actively.
• Model for Understanding Christ’s Role: It offers a profound insight into Christ’s role as the cornerstone of faith, enriching the theological understanding of His purpose and ministry.

Psalm 118 not only serves as a hymn of thanksgiving but also acts as a timeless reminder of the power of steadfast faith and the joy of God’s salvation, making it a vital part of both personal faith and communal worship.