Chapter 118
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Overview
Psalm 118 is the climactic conclusion of the Egyptian Hallel, likely the last psalm Jesus sang with His disciples at the Last Supper before going to the cross. It celebrates God's steadfast love and deliverance. The psalmist was pushed hard and about to fall, but the LORD helped him. He will not fear what man can do. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man or princes. The LORD chastened him severely but did not give him over to death. The gate of the LORD is opened for the righteous. The stone which the builders refused has become the head stone of the corner — 'This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.'
Key Themes
The Steadfast Love of the LORD
The psalm opens and closes with the declaration that God's mercy endures forever — His covenant love is the unshakeable foundation of all praise.
The Rejected Stone Made the Cornerstone
The stone rejected by the builders becomes the head of the corner — the most important stone in the building — a dramatic reversal accomplished by God.
Trusting God Over Human Power
It is better to trust in the LORD than in man or princes — no human alliance or power can provide what God alone offers.
Study Questions
Jesus applied 'the stone which the builders refused' (v. 22) to Himself. How does this transform our reading of the psalm?
What does 'This is the day which the LORD hath made' (v. 24) mean in its original context and in Christian worship?
Why is trusting God said to be 'better' than trusting in man or princes (vv. 8-9)?
How does the cry 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD' (v. 26) connect to Palm Sunday?
If Jesus sang this psalm on the night of His betrayal, what would these words have meant to Him?
Connection to Christ
This is one of the most directly messianic psalms. Jesus is the stone the builders rejected who became the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7). The crowd on Palm Sunday sang verse 26: 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD.' Jesus sang this psalm at the Last Supper, going to the cross as both the rejected stone and the cornerstone of God's new temple.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 118. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?