What is the meaning of Psalm 118?

Psalm 118 is a rich and profound psalm that holds a significant place within the corpus of biblical literature. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, praise, and trust in God's enduring love and deliverance. To fully grasp its meaning, we must delve into its historical context, literary structure, and theological themes.

Psalm 118 is part of the Hallel, a collection of psalms (Psalms 113-118) traditionally sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover. This psalm, in particular, is often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of joyous celebration and remembrance of God's provision and protection during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. The psalmist, possibly King David or another leader, speaks on behalf of Israel, expressing gratitude for God's steadfast love and deliverance from enemies.

The psalm begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing His enduring love:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:1, NIV)

This refrain is repeated throughout the psalm, serving as a reminder of God's unchanging and faithful nature. The psalmist invites Israel, the house of Aaron (the priests), and all who fear the Lord to join in this declaration of God's goodness and everlasting love (verses 2-4).

The psalmist then recounts a personal experience of distress and deliverance:

"When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 118:5-6, NIV)

Here, the psalmist testifies to God's responsiveness to prayer and His power to rescue from dire circumstances. The "spacious place" symbolizes freedom and relief from oppression, a theme that resonates with the broader narrative of Israel's history, particularly their exodus from Egypt and subsequent journey to the Promised Land.

The psalmist's confidence in God's protection is further expressed in verses 7-9:

"The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118:7-9, NIV)

These verses underscore the futility of relying on human strength or political power compared to the security found in God's presence and aid. The repetition of the phrase "It is better to take refuge in the Lord" reinforces the central message of trust in God alone.

The psalmist continues by describing a situation where they were surrounded by hostile nations, yet God intervened:

"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." (Psalm 118:10-12, NIV)

This vivid imagery of being encircled by enemies and the subsequent divine victory highlights God's power to deliver His people from overwhelming odds. The repetition of "in the name of the Lord" signifies that the victory is attributed solely to God's intervention and not to human effort.

In verses 13-14, the psalmist reflects on the personal impact of this deliverance:

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." (Psalm 118:13-14, NIV)

The acknowledgment of near defeat followed by divine assistance serves as a powerful testimony to God's saving power. The declaration that "the Lord is my strength and my defense" echoes the sentiments of other biblical figures who experienced God's deliverance, such as Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:2).

The psalm then transitions to a communal expression of joy and thanksgiving:

"Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!'" (Psalm 118:15-16, NIV)

The "right hand" of the Lord symbolizes His power and authority. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the magnitude of God's deeds and the collective celebration of His people. The psalmist's personal experience of deliverance becomes a source of communal praise and worship.

In verses 17-18, the psalmist affirms their continued trust in God despite past afflictions:

"I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death." (Psalm 118:17-18, NIV)

These verses reflect a profound understanding of suffering as part of God's discipline, yet they also express confidence in God's ultimate purpose to preserve and sustain life. The commitment to "proclaim what the Lord has done" underscores the importance of bearing witness to God's faithfulness.

The psalmist then shifts focus to the theme of entering God's presence:

"Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation." (Psalm 118:19-21, NIV)

The imagery of gates and entry into God's presence evokes the temple in Jerusalem, where worshippers would gather to offer thanks and praise. The psalmist's desire to enter and give thanks signifies a deep longing for communion with God and recognition of His role as Savior.

One of the most profound and prophetic verses in Psalm 118 is found in verse 22:

"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." (Psalm 118:22-23, NIV)

This verse, quoted by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17) and referenced by Peter (Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7), has been interpreted as a messianic prophecy. The rejected stone, symbolizing Jesus Christ, becomes the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan. This transformation from rejection to exaltation is indeed "marvelous" and highlights God's sovereignty and wisdom.

The psalmist continues with a declaration of the day of the Lord's salvation:

"The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!" (Psalm 118:24-25, NIV)

The phrase "this very day" emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of God's saving acts. The call to "rejoice and be glad" is an invitation to celebrate God's deliverance with joy and gratitude. The plea for salvation and success reflects an ongoing dependence on God's grace and favor.

In verses 26-27, the psalmist speaks of a procession to the temple:

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar." (Psalm 118:26-27, NIV)

The blessing of "he who comes in the name of the Lord" is another messianic reference, famously echoed during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). The imagery of light shining and the festal procession with boughs evoke the joyous celebration of God's presence and favor.

The psalm concludes with a personal and communal declaration of praise:

"You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:28-29, NIV)

These final verses encapsulate the essence of the psalm: a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's goodness, a commitment to praise and exalt Him, and a reaffirmation of His enduring love. The repetition of the opening refrain serves as a bookend, reinforcing the central theme of God's steadfast love.

In summary, Psalm 118 is a powerful expression of thanksgiving, trust, and praise. It celebrates God's deliverance, highlights the futility of relying on human strength, and underscores the importance of communal worship. Its prophetic elements point to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who transforms rejection into the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan. For believers today, Psalm 118 serves as a timeless reminder of God's enduring love, faithfulness, and the call to trust and rejoice in His salvation.