Psalm 118 – Praise is always due to our saving God

Again the author of Psalm 118 is not known. Many believe that this is a post-exilic Psalm that was sung in the temple service to celebrate the completion of the building of the Second Temple. This is the last six of the Hellel Psalms and this one was sung after the Passover meal. The song was a praise to God for His mercy.

Israel, the house of Aaron meaning the priests, and all God fearing people were exhorted to praise the Lord and to thank Him for His goodness and lovingkindness.  God heard them when they called upon Him in their distress, and came to their help and delivered them. Hence in verses 6-13, their confidence was expressed. They were sure that God would protect them from the evil schemes of men. Hence, they were sure that no man could do anything damaging to them. Rather, they were confident that God would destroy their enemies. The truth is that in their most trying circumstances, God broke through and came to their rescue.

Hence verses 14-21, praises were raised to extol God. He became their strength, song and salvation. The righteous had reason to rejoice, for the exalted right hand of God had done valiant things. Praise was not offered only then, but it would be offered in the future and forever. The Psalmist was sure he would live to declare the works of the Lord and he would enter the temple to do so. The hard times were God’s allowed experiences to bring out their best. Like them, we need to know that everything we had to endure is God’s moment to toughen our character. Gold becomes purer when tested by fire. Bear in mind that God hears us in our most difficult moments. Yes, we can trust Him to come to our rescue.

This Psalm has prophetic elements. Verse 22, referring to Christ, had been quoted in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:4. This is an act of the Lord. Christ was the stone the people rejected, but He became the chief corner stone of God’s building, the church. This is solely the work of God and His people shall rejoice and be glad. As the people of God prayed, so we must also pray. God not only wants to save us, He also wants to prosper us. In verses 27-28, the Psalmist reveals that God is the Lord and He is the source of our light. So he asked to be bound to the altar for His service to worship and serve Him. Like the people who feared God, let us constantly offer our thanksgiving for His goodness, faithfulness and ever abiding mercy.