Psalm 118

Psalm 118 – Steadfast love of the LORD endures forever

It’s a noticeable thing – the psalm begins and ends with “catchy phrase” (vv. 1 and 29):

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good

For His steadfast love endures forever” 

vv. 2-4 Then there are three groups of people who say it:

(1) Israel, (2) house of Aaron (priests), (3) those who fear the LORD.

 Almost the whole psalm is in the first-person singular, only by the end the psalmist shifts to “we” (vv. 25-27) but then returns to “I” statements (v. 28). 

 

What kind of troubles the psalmist goes through to see and acknowledge the steadfast love of the Lord?

vv. 5-9 – personal distress. We do not know the reasons for his troubles yet (see below). Whatever it is, the psalmist acknowledges that the LORD is the helper, the LORD is at the right hand – this is the reason for the triumph. We saw something similar in psalm 23 when the LORD prepared a table and poured out the drinks before the battle – anticipating the victory.

So, LORD’s help is better (mightier) than help of the men and princes (vv. 8,9).        

 

vv. 10-13 – all nations surround me. Three times he repeats: I cut them off! Not on his own accord or strength but in the Name of the LORD, just as we discussed above. Concluding this paragraph with a confession – “the LORD helped me”.  

 

vv. 14-16 – the Lord is my strength – over years this became a famous Biblical slogan. It first appears in Exodus 15:2 – song of Red sea. Right after crossing of the sea and God’s victory over the armies of Egypt. Later Isaiah used it in his song of promise (Isaiah 12).    

 

vv. 17-18 – the psalmist takes upon the ultimate enemy – death. The discipline of the LORD does not need that He deserted us. The discipline of dying (which started with Adam) should not be seen as a disconnect with God. On the contrary, knowing that we are following the One Who went through death into resurrection, we understand this dying experience as a door into the eternity.     

 

vv. 19-24 – gates of righteousness (here, through the church, and then – eschatologically, in heaven), based on cornerstone – Jesus, see Luke 20:17, 1 Peter 2:7. Jesus used these verses when He was in the Temple during the days of the Holy Week (from Palm Sunday to Good Friday). He stated that the words of the psalm apply to Him in a prophetic way. 

Collective is a gathering of individuals – therefore, Save us, WE pray! (vv. 25-27), being blessed in the presence of the one who comes in the NAME of the LORD. – triumphant entry to Jerusalem, v. 27 sacrifice (!) [didn’t notice that before].

 

v. 28 – return to a personal confession. Interesting that the psalmist commits to very personal relationship with God and then thanks Him right away. There is no list of complaints, petitions, and such – give thanks. Even though we know that he went through a troublesome time. See above.

Then he repeats the confession and goes to exaltation – I will extol You! As my online dictionary put it: praise enthusiastically! Literally, the word means to elevate or to be or get high (not in a Californian way). It contrasts with pride and haughtiness that should be brought low (Isaiah 2:11,17).