Explanation: In Psalm 118 the Psalmist praises the LORD for his enduring mercy, his deliverance, and his forgiveness. Today's painting is of imprisonment showing prison's power over the prisoners -- binding the body and producing a mood of gloom. From the reference in verse 18 to a severe chastening from the LORD, we may postulate that the Psalmist experienced such a mood before the LORD delivered him.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Matthew 21:42-46; Mark 12:10-12; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 5:31; Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Peter 2:4, 7. PSALM TYPES. COMMUNAL PSALMS OF THANKSGIVING: Psalm 65. Psalm 66. Psalm 67. Psalm 75. Psalm 107. Psalm 118. Psalm 124. Psalm 129. Psalm 136. Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2. Psalm 8. Psalm 16. Psalm 22. Psalm 34. Psalm 35. Psalm 40. Psalm 41. Psalm 45. Psalm 68. Psalm 69. Psalm 89. Psalm 102. Psalm 109. Psalm 110. Psalm 118. Hallel Psalms: The Egyptian Hallel -- Psalms 113-118: Psalm 113. Psalm 114. Psalm 115. Psalm 116. Psalm 117. Psalm 118. The Great Hallel [Group of Psalms] -- Psalms 118-136: Psalm 118. Psalm 119. Psalm 120. Psalm 121. Psalm 122. Psalm 123. Psalm 124. Psalm 125. Psalm 126. Psalm 127. Psalm 128. Psalm 129. Psalm 130. Psalm 131. Psalm 132. Psalm 133. Psalm 134. Psalm 135. Psalm 136. The Great Hallel [Single Psalm] -- Psalm 136. An Individual Hallel -- Psalm 145. The Concluding Hallel -- Psalms 146-150: Psalm 146. Psalm 147. Psalm 148. Psalm 149. Psalm 150. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 118 - #1. Psalm 118 - #2. Psalm 118 - #3. Psalm 118 - #4. Psalm 118 - #5. ]

     The Psalmist opens and closes his Psalm with the words " O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." He calls upon Israel in general, the house of Aaron (the priests and Levites), and all who fear the LORD to agree that the mercy of the LORD endures forever (1-4). The Psalmist then offers his personal testimony. He says that he called on the LORD in his distress, and the LORD answered him and set him in a large place. He acknowledges that the LORD is on his side and that he therefore does not fear what man can do to him. The LORD takes his part as his helper; therefore he shall see his desire upon his enemies (5-7). He notes that it is better to put trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man, even in princes (8-9). He speaks of a time when he was surrounded by the nations, as if by a swarm of bees; but he is confident that he will destroy them in the name of the LORD (10-12). He then speaks to someone (perhaps the nations personified as a single person), saying that someone made a thrust at him in order to make him fall; but the LORD helped him (13).
     He says that the LORD is his strength, his song, and his salvation. Also the righteous rejoice in their tents at the salvation of the LORD and his valiant acts. The LORD is powerful and valiant. Therefore, the Psalmist will not die; instead, he will declare the works of the LORD (14-17).
     The LORD chastened him severely but did not give him over to death (18). So he calls upon the doorkeeper of the LORD's house to open the gates of righteousness; and he will go into them and will praise the LORD (19). This gate is the gate of the LORD into which the righteous shall enter (20). He tells the LORD that he will praise him because he has heard him and has become his salvation (21). He then, in the next 3 verses, offers a Messianic reference. He says that "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. (22)." This refers to the rejection of Christ by the Jews, particularly the Jewish rulers -- a decision which was overturned by God the Father when he raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to his right hand where he reigns over all [Matthew 21:42-46; Mark 12:10-12; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 5:31; Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Peter 2:4, 7]. "This," says the Psalmist "is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. (23)." The prophecy then says, "This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (24)." This verse is frequently misconstrued to mean that "today" is a good day because the LORD made it. The correct meaning is that the day that Christ was exalted over all the earth was a special day, made especially by the LORD, a marvelous day, worthy of rejoicing.
     The Psalmist then pleads with the LORD to save him and send prosperity (25). In another Messianic reference, the Psalmist says "blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. (26)" God has shown us light, he says (27a). He therefore commands that the appropriate sacrifice be made ready (26b). Then, addressing God personally, he says that he is his God, and he will praise him and exalt him (28). The Psalm closes as it opened: "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever. (29)."