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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comThrough the Bible Day by Day - Psalms 118:1 - 118:1
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Trust in God Brings Strength
Psa 118:1-14
It is generally agreed that this psalm dates back to the restoration from Babylon. It was probably used as a processional hymn for the first time at the great Feast of Tabernacles mentioned in Neh 8:13-18. The structure of the psalm is as follows: Psa 118:1-4, the summons of the full choir to the constituent parts of the procession; Psa 118:5-14, the song of the soloist; Psa 118:15-16, the answer of the choir; Psa 118:17-19, the soloist. At this point the procession reaches the Temple gates. Psa 118:20 is the response of priests and Levites, the custodians of the sacred edifice, who lay stress on the character of those who tread its courts. Psa 118:21, the soloist; Psa 118:22-27, the full chorus; Psa 118:28, the soloist; Psa 118:29, the concluding doxology.
Luther says of this psalm: “This is mine, the one which I love.” As it was included in the great Hallel we infer that our Lord sang it as He went forth to die, Mat 26:30. It will be sung once more on that coming day for which we wait. See Isa 25:9; Mat 23:39. When we identify ourselves with God’s great cause, we may absolutely count on God as our strength in the conflict, and our song in assured victory.