Psalm 118:19-29

 


Psalm 118 is the last in the Egyptian Hallel series (113-118), so it may be the hymn Jesus and His disciples finished singing as mentioned in Matthew 26:30 or Mark 14:26. This psalm begins with a call to give thanks (vv. 1-4).  It continues with individual thanksgiving for deliverance out of distress (vv. 5-18). The last part includes community thanksgiving with references to the temple gates, stones, and altar (vv. 19-27). This psalm then closes like it begins, by giving thanks to God (vv. 28-29).

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 19-21
    • Knowing that I am able to enter God's presence because of Christ, what is my response?
  • Verses 22-23
    • These verses, referenced in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7, point to Jesus as the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God to be the cornerstone of the Church. What does it mean for me to be one of the stones in God's "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5)?
  • Verse 24
    • No matter what kind of day we may be having, why are we still able to "rejoice and be glad in it"?
  • Verses 25-29
    • "Hosanna" is a cry for God to save us, as in verse 25.  Verses 25 & 26 were shouted by the crowds during Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10; John 12:13). How do the NT references give us additional insights into this psalm?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "Hosanna" by Michael W Smith: Link


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