Psalms 118

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a call to give thanks to God, citing His love and faithfulness (Psalms 118:1-4). The psalmist then recounts his experiences of distress and how God delivered him (Psalms 118:5-14). He expresses his confidence in God's presence and power, and calls on all nations to give thanks to God (Psalms 118:15-29). The chapter concludes with a statement of God's goodness and a call to worship and praise (Psalms 118:29). Key verses include Psalms 118:6, where the psalmist affirms that God is his helper, and Psalms 118:22-23, where he references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 118 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which is a collection of psalms that emphasize the theme of salvation and deliverance. The chapter is likely a post-exilic psalm, written after the return from Babylonian exile, and is a call to worship and praise for the restored community. The chapter is also significant in relation to the life of Christ, as it contains references to the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to give thanks to God for His love and faithfulness, and to trust in His sovereignty. It also emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the day that God has made, and finding joy and gladness in His presence. As believers, we can apply this chapter by making thanksgiving and praise a central part of our worship, and by trusting in God's sovereignty in all aspects of our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 118 is a chapter about giving thanks to God for His love and faithfulness. The psalmist is saying that God is the source of all salvation and deliverance, and that He is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. As believers, we can apply this chapter by making thanksgiving and praise a central part of our worship, and by trusting in God's sovereignty in all aspects of our lives. For example, we can rejoice in the day that God has made, as the psalmist says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24).

Voices from the Church

“This psalm is a noble hymn of praise, and it is worthy of the most solemn and joyful occasions. It is a psalm that should be sung with the heart, and with the understanding, and with the spirit.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist is calling upon all nations to give thanks to God, and to praise His name. This is a call to worship, and it is a call that is relevant to all people, in all times and places.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Thanksgiving (1-4) — The chapter begins with a call to give thanks to God, citing His love and faithfulness.
2. The Psalmist's Experience of Distress (5-14) — The psalmist recounts his experiences of distress and how God delivered him.
3. The Rejection of the Cornerstone (15-23) — The chapter references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, referencing Jesus Christ.
4. The Call to Worship and Praise (24-29) — The chapter concludes with a call to worship and praise, encouraging all nations to give thanks to God.
5. Conclusion (29) — The chapter ends with a statement of God's goodness and a call to worship and praise.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, citing His love and faithfulness as the reasons for giving thanks and praise.

The Importance of Thanksgiving

The chapter highlights the importance of thanksgiving and praise in the life of the believer, emphasizing that it is a key aspect of worship.

The Rejection of Jesus Christ

The chapter references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, referencing Jesus Christ and the rejection He faced.

The Salvation of God

The chapter emphasizes the theme of salvation and deliverance, which is fulfilled in Christ.

Lessons from Psalms 118

1. The Importance of Thanksgiving — This chapter teaches us the importance of giving thanks to God for His love and faithfulness, and making it a central part of our worship.
2. The Rejection of Jesus Christ — The chapter references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, teaching us about the rejection that Jesus Christ faced and the significance of His resurrection.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, citing His love and faithfulness as the reasons for giving thanks and praise.
4. The Salvation of God — The chapter emphasizes the theme of salvation and deliverance, which is fulfilled in Christ, teaching us about the significance of the gospel in our lives.
5. The Call to Worship and Praise — The chapter concludes with a call to worship and praise, encouraging all nations to give thanks to God, teaching us about the importance of worship and praise in our lives.

Themes from Psalms 118

1. Thanksgiving and Praise — The chapter emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God for His love and faithfulness, and making it a central part of our worship.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, citing His love and faithfulness as the reasons for giving thanks and praise.
3. The Rejection of Jesus Christ — The chapter references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, referencing Jesus Christ and the rejection He faced.
4. The Salvation of God — The chapter emphasizes the theme of salvation and deliverance, which is fulfilled in Christ.
5. The Call to Worship and Praise — The chapter concludes with a call to worship and praise, encouraging all nations to give thanks to God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can give thanks to God for His love and faithfulness in your life?
2. How does the rejection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone relate to your own experience of faith?
3. What are some ways that you can rejoice in the day that God has made, and find joy and gladness in His presence?
4. How does the theme of salvation and deliverance in this chapter relate to your own understanding of the gospel?
5. What are some ways that you can apply the principles of thanksgiving and praise in this chapter to your own life and worship?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 118

	Sermon	Description
	Taking Time to Wait on God - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four main functions of a head in relation to the body. The first function is to receive input, where every part of the body has the right
	Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker introduces the theme of the conference, which is "faith unto enlargement through adversity." The speaker refers to Psalm 118 as the Passover Hosanna Son
	Vine Branches by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disappointment of God and others with the fruit produced by humanity. He references the parable of the vineyard in Mark 12, where tenants
	(God's Sanctuary) 03 Men of His Own Heart 2 by Bakht Singh	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help constantly, even in the face of opposition and persecution. He uses the example of David, who learned to
	Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle
	(Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ
	Palm Sunday by Jacob Prasch	The video discusses the events of Palm Sunday, specifically focusing on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus being h
	The Chief Cornerstone by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of humility and realizing that we don't amount to much in the eyes of God. He shares his experiences at camp meetings where
	Taking Time to Wait on God by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and being able to hear Him speak. The speaker discusses the four main functions o
	Avoid the Trap by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes how David, a young boy, fearlessly faced the giant Goliath, who was nine feet ta

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 118

This psalm is a noble hymn of praise, and it is worthy of the most solemn and joyful occasions. The psalmist is calling upon all nations to give thanks to God, and to praise His name. He says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24), emphasizing the importance of rejoicing in the day that God has made, and finding joy and gladness in His presence. The psalmist also references the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, referencing Jesus Christ and the rejection He faced. As Matthew Henry says, "The stone that the builders rejected is become the head stone of the corner" (Psalms 118:22), highlighting the significance of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the church. The chapter concludes with a call to worship and praise, encouraging all nations to give thanks to God, and to trust in His sovereignty. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?