United Commentaries

Ps.113.1-118.29

These psalms form what is known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (hallel means “praise”) because Jews use the collection in the celebration of Passover, which was instituted at the beginning of the exodus from Egypt. Psalms 113–114 are recited before the Passover meal and Pss 115–118 afterward.

Ps.118.1-29

With an exultant testimony, the psalmist gives thanks for the Lord’s goodness and encourages others to trust in his faithful love (118:1-4, 29). This poem is the last of the Egyptian Hallel (Pss 113–118).

Ps.118.2-4

Israel . . . Aaron’s descendants . . . all who fear the Lord: These three groups represent the whole of the covenant community (cp. 115:9-11; 135:19-20).

Ps.118.5-9

The Lord alone is the psalmist’s helper.

Ps.118.6-7

The Lord is for me: Cp. Rom 8:31; Heb 13:6.

God’s presence cancels out the need to fear mere people (Ps 56:11). The psalmist joyfully expects God’s rescue (59:10; 112:8).

Ps.118.8-9

Trusting in the Lord is better than placing confidence in even the most powerful human leaders (118:6; 146:3).

Ps.118.10-12

Strength comes in the name of the Lord, declared by the threefold mention of the attackers, the Lord’s name, and victory.

Even when hostile people blazed . . . like a crackling fire, the Lord caused them to subside like burning thorns (see Isa 9:18; 10:17).

Ps.118.14-18

The psalmist celebrates the victory of the Lord’s strong right arm, which kept him from death.

Ps.118.17-21

God has restored the psalmist from death to life, so he praises the Lord publicly (cp. 116:6, 12-19).

Ps.118.22-24

The psalmist sees his own salvation as the beginning of a new day in which the Lord will do great things.

Ps.118.22

The cornerstone (or keystone) of a building or an arch gives the structure its shape and foundation. It is the most important of all the stones. The Lord chooses and places this stone for his sanctuary (Isa 28:16). Jesus referred to himself as this cornerstone (Matt 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; see Acts 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6-7).

Ps.118.24

This is the day the Lord has made: The day of the Lord’s victory has already arrived, although its completion awaits another day (118:25).

Ps.118.25-29

The psalmist concludes with prayer and thanksgiving, anticipating an even greater revelation of God’s victory and rescue.

Ps.118.26

The one who comes in the name of the Lord brings the Lord’s complete victory (see 118:10-12).

During Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowds called out various blessings, including phrases taken from this verse (Matt 21:9; Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38; John 12:13). Jesus himself quoted this passage as he wept over Jerusalem (Matt 23:39; Luke 13:35).