Psalms 118 — Overview

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

Kimchi says their Rabbins are divided about this psalm. Some understand it of David; others of the Messiah: but, with us Christians, there ought to be no doubt of its belonging to the Messiah; since our Lord has quoted a passage out of it, and applied it to himself, Ps 118:22; see Mt 21:42; and so has the Apostle Peter, Ac 4:11.

Nor did the Jews of those times object thereunto, which doubtless they would have done, had the psalm respected any other but the Messiah; yea, the common people that attended Christ when he entered into Jerusalem, and the children in the temple, took their "hosanna" from hence, Ps 118:26; see Mt 21:9.

It is generally thought to be written by David, after he was established in the kingdom, and had brought the ark of the Lord into the city. It concludes the great "Hallel", or hymn sung at the Jewish festivals; particularly at the feasts of tabernacle and the passover.

Ver. 1. O give thanks unto the Lord,....

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Psalms 118 — OverviewPsalms 118 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt 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…Psalms 118 — OverviewPsalms 118 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 118:1, An exhortation to praise God for his mercy; Psalms 118:5, The psalmist by his experience shews how good it is to trust in God; Psalms 118:19, Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his…Psalms 118:1-18Psalms 118:1-18 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt appears here, as often as elsewhere, that David had his heart full of the goodness of God. He loved to think of it, loved to speak of it, and was very solicitous that God might have the praise of it and others…Psalms 118:1Psalms 118:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryO give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good because his mercy endureth for ever (comp. Psalms 106:1, and the comment ad loc.).Psalms 118:1-21Psalms 118:1-21 · The Pulpit CommentaryOpposition, deliverance, thanksgiving. The psalmist (or the nation) is passing, or has just passed, through great distress. He (it) has been the object of malignant and determined attack; he has been surrounded by…Psalms 118:1-29Psalms 118:1-29 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION AN antiphonal hymn, composed for a joyful occasion, when there was to be a procession to the temple, a welcoming of the procession by those inside, and the solemn offering of a sacrifice upon the altar…

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