Psalm 118
Theme
Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy
Outline
1-4, Praise the Lord for His Lovingkindness 5-7, Trust in the Time of Distress 8-9, Better Refuge in Yahweh 10-12, Surrounding Nations Cut Off 13-18, Yahweh Strength and Psalm 19-21, Triumphant Return to Zion 22-23, Yahweh’s Marvelous Cornerstone 24-25, Hosanna on the Day of Joy 26-29, Praise the Lord for His Lovingkindness
Key Verse
(118:22) The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. (118:1) Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Notes
The rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11). Psalm 118 features a repetitive structure, beginning and ending with the same line, emphasizing God's lovingkindness. The psalm calls God's people to proclaim His goodness and recounts how Yahweh answered the psalmist in distress. It highlights the importance of trusting in Yahweh over people and describes triumph over enemies. The central section contrasts the psalmist's struggles with Yahweh's strength and deliverance. The psalm concludes with a celebration of joy and praise, reflecting a chiastic structure that reinforces its themes of trust, deliverance, and divine support, culminating in a call to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness.