Psalm 118: A Great Song of Praise and Thanksgiving

Introduction

Psalm 118 is a joyful psalm of thanksgiving that highlights the enduring love of God and His deliverance. The psalmist celebrates God’s salvation, calling others to join in giving thanks for His faithfulness. It’s often considered a royal psalm, recognizing God’s protection over His chosen king and His people.

Background of Psalm 118

This psalm is attributed to David and is part of the Hallel psalms, which were sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover. Psalm 118 expresses the gratitude of God’s people for His rescue from trouble and oppression. It focuses on God’s intervention, which provides salvation and victory over enemies. The imagery of the stone rejected by the builders (verse 22) is also often associated with the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

What Does Psalm 118 Mean?

Psalm 118 is a psalm of triumph. It acknowledges God’s faithfulness and deliverance, expressing thanks for His intervention in times of distress. The psalm also reflects the prophetic message about the Messiah, whose coming is hinted at in verse 22. The psalmist recognizes that God is the ultimate source of salvation, and this is a call for all to trust in the Lord and give thanks for His great love.

Verse Mapping Psalm 118:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.” (CSB)

1. Word Study
   • Give thanks – A call to express gratitude and praise. The Hebrew word “yadah” means to acknowledge or praise, especially in response to God’s goodness.
   • Lord – Referring to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and relationship with His people.
   • Good – God’s intrinsic goodness; He is morally perfect and worthy of our praise.
   • Faithful love – The Hebrew word “chesed,” representing God’s loyal, covenantal love that never fails.
   • Endures forever – An emphasis on the eternal nature of God’s love and faithfulness.
2. Cross-References
   • Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
   • Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.”
   • James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
3. Paraphrase “Give thanks to the Lord because He is good, and His love is forever faithful.”
4. Application This verse reminds us to be thankful for God’s goodness, acknowledging that His love is constant and never-ending. No matter what we face, we can always trust in His enduring love. Take time today to reflect on God’s goodness and offer your praise in gratitude.

Verse Mapping Psalm 118:22

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (CSB)

1. Word Study
   • Stone – Often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent something solid, dependable, and unshakable.
   • Builders – Refers to those who assess or judge, in this case, possibly the leaders or people who rejected the stone.
   • Rejected – The Hebrew word “ma’as,” meaning to despise or cast away, suggesting something that was deemed unworthy.
   • Cornerstone – The cornerstone is a vital building block in the foundation, a symbol of strength, stability, and the most important part of a structure.
2. Cross-References
   • Matthew 21:42 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is what the Lord has done, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'”
   • Ephesians 2:20 – “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.”
   • 1 Peter 2:7 – “So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'”
3. Paraphrase “The stone that was rejected by the builders has become the most essential part of the foundation.”
4. Application Jesus is the cornerstone that was rejected by the religious leaders of His time, yet He became the foundation of our faith. In life, we may feel overlooked or rejected, but God has a purpose for each of us. Just as Jesus became the cornerstone of salvation, we too can find our place in His plans. Trust in His divine timing and purpose.

Verse Mapping Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (CSB)

1. Word Study
   • Day – A specific day chosen by God, perhaps referring to a moment of victory or a general acknowledgment that each day is a gift from God.
   • Rejoice – A joyful expression of celebration and gratitude, both inwardly and outwardly.
   • Be glad – To be filled with joy and satisfaction, to delight in the day God has provided.
2. Cross-References
   • Psalm 118:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.”
   • Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
   • Nehemiah 8:10 – “Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
3. Paraphrase “This is the day God has made, and we will celebrate it with joy and gladness.”
4. Application Each day is a gift from God. Even when life is difficult, we can choose to rejoice in the day that God has given us. This verse encourages us to find joy in the present, knowing that God is at work in every moment. Today is the day the Lord has made, so let us live with a heart full of gratitude and praise.

How Can We Apply Psalm 118 Today?

1. Give Thanks for God’s Faithfulness Just as Psalm 118 begins with a call to give thanks, we are encouraged to always acknowledge God’s goodness. Take time each day to express your gratitude for God’s love and faithfulness.
2. Trust in the Cornerstone Jesus is the cornerstone, and our faith is built on Him. When life seems uncertain or we face rejection, remember that God has a purpose for us. Jesus was rejected by many but became the cornerstone of our salvation. Find your strength in Him.
3. Rejoice in the Day God Has Made No matter what you face, choose to rejoice in the day God has given you. This is an invitation to focus on the blessings of the present, knowing that God has made today.
4. Celebrate God’s Salvation Psalm 118 reflects a victory celebration. If God has delivered you or blessed you in any way, take time to praise Him. Share your testimony with others, encouraging them to trust in God’s faithfulness.
5. Share God’s Goodness with Others Psalm 118 calls us to rejoice and give thanks, but also to invite others to join in. Look for opportunities to share God’s goodness and the message of salvation with others around you.

Reflection Questions

• How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily life?
• How do you see Jesus as the cornerstone of your faith?
• What are some ways you can rejoice in the present moment, even during difficult times?
• Who can you invite to rejoice with you in God’s goodness?

A Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. You are the cornerstone of our faith, and we find our hope in You. Help us to rejoice in the day You have made and to give thanks for Your constant presence in our lives. May we share Your goodness with others and always remember that You are with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

Psalm 118 teaches us to celebrate God’s salvation, trust in His faithfulness, and rejoice in every day He gives us. It reminds us that, even when we face challenges, we can rely on the cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ, who provides stability and strength. May we live each day with hearts full of gratitude and praise.