Bible Commentary

Psalms 118:1-18

Matthew Henry on Psalms 118:1-18

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed.

God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise.

Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us.

Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:1-29EXPOSITION AN antiphonal hymn, composed for a joyful occasion, when there was to be a procession to the temple, a welcoming of the procession by those inside, and the solemn offering of a sacrifice upon the altar there.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:1O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good because his mercy endureth for ever (comp. Psalms 106:1, and the comment ad loc.).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:1-21Opposition, deliverance, thanksgiving. The psalmist (or the nation) is passing, or has just passed, through great distress. He (it) has been the object of malignant and determined attack; he has been surrounded by enemi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth forever. (For the triple division of the people made in this and the next two verses— The nature of the division is considered in the comment on Psalms 115:11.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:3Family experience of Divine mercies. This is evidently a liturgical psalm, and on the whole it seems best to associate it either with the dedication of the second temple by the returned exiles, or with their keeping of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth forever. Let the priests endorse what the people generally have declared, that God's mercy is ever lasting.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:4Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth forever. Let the real Israel, the true worshippers of Jehovah, those who worship him in spirit and in truth, set their seal also to the great confession, and…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 118:4Personal experience of Divine mercies. "Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever." The term "fear the Lord" suggests personal apprehensions of God, personal dealings with God, and personal r…Joseph S. Exell and contributors