Psalms 118 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
118:1–4
1-4. The trine repetitions are emphatic (compare Psa 118:10-12, 15, 16; 115:12, 13). Let ... say--Oh! that Israel may say. now--as in Psa 115:2; so in Psa 118:3, 4. After "now say" supply "give thanks." that his mercy--or, "for His mercy."
118:5
5. distress--literally, "straits," to which "large place" corresponds, as in Psa 4:1; 31:8.
118:6–7
6-7. Men are helpless to hurt him, if God be with him (Psa 56:9), and, if enemies, they will be vanquished (Psa 54:7).
118:8–9
8-9. Even the most powerful men are less to be trusted than God.
118:10–12
10-12. Though as numerous and irritating as bees [Psa 118:12], by God's help his enemies would be destroyed.
118:13–16
13-16. The enemy is triumphantly addressed as if present.
118:17–18
17-18. He would live, because confident his life would be for God's glory.
118:19–21
19-21. Whether an actual or figurative entrance into God's house be meant, the purpose of solemn praise is intimated, in which only the righteous would or could engage.
118:22–23
22-23. These words are applied by Christ (Mt 21:42) to Himself, as the foundation of the Church (compare Ac 4:11; Ep 2:20; 1Pe 2:4, 7). It may here denote God's wondrous exaltation to power and influence of him whom the rulers of the nation despised. Whether (see on Psa 118:1) David or Zerubbabel (compare Hag 2:2; Zec 4:7-10) be primarily meant, there is here typically represented God's more wonderful doings in exalting Christ, crucified as an impostor, to be the Prince and Saviour and Head of His Church.
118:24
24. This is the day--or period distinguished by God's favor of all others.
118:25
25. Save now--Hebrew, "Hosanna" (compare Psa 115:2, c., as to now) a form of prayer (Psa 20:9), since, in our use, of praise.
118:26
26. he that cometh ... Lord--As above intimated, this may be applied to the visible head of the Jewish Church entering the sanctuary, as leading the procession; typically it belongs to Him of whom the phrase became an epithet (Mal 3:1; Mt 21:9).
118:27–29
27-29. showed us light--or favor (Psa 27:1; 97:11). With the sacrificial victim brought bound to the altar is united the more spiritual offering of praise (Psa 50:14, 23), expressed in the terms with which the Psalm opened.