INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 118; 2 Samuel 6:12-18; Ezra 3:8-13; Matthew 21:1-11
This is a great time of year to read this Psalm. It is not only the final Egyptian Hallel Psalm which is sung at Passover Festivsals, but it is also a great Messianic Psalm celebrating the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, with his DEATH ON THE CROSS and his RESURRECTION,
Mose commentators believe it was written by David, though it does not have a stated author. It is likely to have been first sung when David and his people brought the Ark of the Lord back into the city of Jerusalem, after it had been taken by the Philistines.
"Then David danced befor the Lord with all his might.... David and all the house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouting and the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:14&15 (NLT)
In Ezra Chapter 3, David is mentioned at the restoration of the New Temple in Jerusalem, when the people had returned after their Babylonian exile.
"When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord's Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. The Levites, descendents of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the Lord, just as King David had prescribed." Ezra 3:10 (NLT)
"It shows David's hand of the Master and his spirit and style, and clearly David's grand ability, the subject was mobility." Adam Clarke, cited by David Guzik.
This was also Jesus' Psalm - a Messianic prophecy - "a song of triump", as we see Jesus coming into Jerusalenm on what we call "Palm Sunday".
"The procession carries branches, moving from the Temple Gateway (the Gates of Jerusalem) to the Altar (the Cross). " Pat and David Alexander.
"How much these words in Psalm 118 would have meant to Jesus as He sung them in the upper room, the night before His crucifixioon." G. Campbell Morgan. cited by David Guzik.
On Easter Sunday, we today, as Jesus' followers often sing parts of this Psalm to celebrate, with JOY AND GLADNESS, the RESURRECTION OF OUR SAVIOUR,.
"Christians see in this movement from HUMILIATIION TO EXULTATION a foreshadow of Jesus. He is RESCUED FROM DEATH, a new exodus, a fresh sigh that GOD'S STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER." Richard Clifford, cited by Nacy Koster.
"But now CHRIST IS RISEN, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man came the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. 1 Corinthians 15:20&21
WHAT A WONDERFUL PSALM IS THIS FOR THE EASTER SEASON!
GOD'S LOVE ENDURES FOREVER - Read Psalm 118:1-4; 1 John 4:7-21
"Give thanks to the Lord for HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER." Psalm 118:1 (NIV)
David "stirs up" everyone to join with him in his "cheerful acknowledgement" of GOD'S GOODNESS. Many of his Psalms call upon God's people to sing PRAISE AND THANKS for HIS GOODNESS. David was full of God's goodness too, being "a man after God's own heart". It was always on God's mind and He loved to share it with others.
"GOD'S GOODNESS IS SO GREAT and apparent that it deserves emphatic PRAISE." David Guzik
David also loved to celebrate GOD'S MERCY AND LOVE. In the ancient Jewish context, these verses are part of a Temple Liturgy, used in Festivals, particularly the Passover. We hear the jubilant "calland response" to Isael (God's People), the House of Aaron (Priests) and the Gentiles (those who fear the Lord).
God's people who proceed to the Temple with these words on their lips are "righteous" an d "victorious". Since God has saved them in the past, they knew HIS LOVE AND MERCY could be depended upon in the future. They knew "it would never be taken from His people". This isn't the only passage in the Bible that speaks of GOD'S LOVE.
"Long ago the Lord said to Israel: "I HAVE LOVED YOU, my people, WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE". With an UNFAILING LOVE I have drawn you to myself." Jeremiah 31:3
"I am convinced that nothing can seperate you from GOD'S LOVE. Neither death nor life, neith angels nor demons, neither our fears today or our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can seperate us from GOD'S LOVE. Indeed, nothing in all creation can seperate us FROM THE LOVE OF GOD that is REVEALED IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD." Romans 8:38&39
"God showed how much HE LOVED US by sending His Son into the world, so that we might have eternal life through Him...... THIS IS REAL LOVE - not that we loved God but that HE LOVED US and has sent His Son to be a sacrifioce for our sins." 1 John 4:8&10
David, who we believe to be the writer of this Psalm, recently expressed THANKS FOR GOD'S LOVE. It is a tone of POSITIVETY AND APPRECIATION for all that He has done for us, through ther coming of His Son - and what He will continue to do,
"This is the last Hallel Psalm that Jesus would have sung at the Passover. He went to the CROSS with complete knowledge that His FATHER'S LOVE AND MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER." David Guzik
TRUST IN THE LORD - Read Psalm 118:5-8; Proverbs 3:5&6
ANSWERED PRAYERS
"In my distress, I PRAYED TO THE LORD. The LORD ANSWERED ME and set me free." Psalm 118:5
David was in great distress and suffered many trials, but this gave him even more experience of God's goodness. Jesus too suffered, especially when it came to the time when it was coming up to his crucifixion. His friends forsook Him at his greatest time of need - at the CROSS.
"It is wonderful to think of Jesus singing these words on the night he was betrayed and arrested. Jesus would call on His Father and receive a faithful answer to his prayers in the garden"
David Guzik
But, both David and Jesus both recognized that they had their FATHER'S LOVE in their lives, and He was always by their side no matter what they faced,. David understood that in the midst of calamity and loneliness - GOD WAS WITH HIM, "He promised to guard and cherish His people forever". We can live in assurance, calm, knowing He will always LISTEN TO OUR PRAYERS AND ANSWER THEM. They may not be answered in the way we want, but we know He cares for us and knows our every need.
"The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? HE IS MY HELPER. I look in triumph on enemies." Psalm 118:6&7
"You don't need to be alone. We have assurance that in the storms of life Jesus is on our side to share them with us and renew our courage." Billy Graham
TRUST IN THE LORD
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5&6
"It is better to TRUST THE LORD than to trust in people. Is is better to TRUST THE LORD than to trust princes." Psalm 118:8&9
David believed in the Lord Jesus long before He came to the earth and he wanted his people to trust in Him too. Despite trouble around us, we can love and TRUST THE LORD. We have nothing to fear if we put our TRUST both Jesus and His Father.
"Although you may be tempted to trust in earthly things more than God, have more confidence in Him than anyone else." Max Lucado
THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SALVATION - Read Psalm 118:10-14; Exodus 15
In the pattern of Hebrew poetry this part of the Psalm is very repititious. David knew that were times that he was surrounded by enemiesm, but he also knew that the POWER and VICTORY was not of himself, but "IN THE NAME OF THE LORD". David triumphed over his enemies has he continued to trust in the Lord.
"The Lord is my STRENGTH and my SONG; He has become my SALVATION." Exodus 15:2a
Quoting Moses and Miriam song from Exodus 15, David knew that only God could be His "STRENGTH AND SONG". To those who trusted in Him, He also became THEIR "SALVATION". This was true from God's people, the Israelite, and we know, when Jesus died on the cross, it became true for us today.
OUR STRENGTH
God is the resource for all our needs, and just as Moses led the people to believe, He would continue to be their strength always, as they travelled through the "wilderness, " He is our strength each day.
"In your unfailing love you led you people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13 (NIV)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 (NKLV)
OUR SONG
God gives JOY an d HAPPINESS in OUR SONG. We find our purpose in our life in Him.
"Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and you HEART WILL REJOICE; and YOUR JOY no one will take from you." John16:22 (NKJV)
OUR SALVATION
We can trust God for VICTORY and DELIVERANCE from all sin and evil. It is important to SEEK GOD so we can rest in HIS SALVATION.
"For by grace you have been saved throiugh faith, and not of yourselves, it is a gift from God."
Epesians 2:8 (NKJV)
David triumphed in his His trust because:
* The Lord was on His side.
* The Lord stood up for him.
* The Lord was His strength, song and salvation.
THE LORD IS MY LIFE AND MY VICTORY - Read Psalm 118: 15-18, Romans 6&15; Hebrews 12
JOY AND VICTORY
As well as a Passover Hymn, this song was sung as one of "JOY and VICTORY" at the Feast of the Tabernacles. Repeatedly David praised the "right hand of God", recognizing His strength, power and might.
"SHOUTS OF JOY AND VICTORY resound in the tents of the righteous. "THE LORD'S RIGHT HAND HAS DONE MIGHTY THINGS. THE LORD'S RIGHT HAND IS LIFTED HIGH. The Lord's right hand has done mighty things." Psalm 118:15&16 (NIV)
We may feel weak, but GOD IS OMNIPOTENT and acts "VALIANTLY" on our behalf. We need to "exalt Him with OUR PRAISES."
I WILL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE!
"I will not die, BUT LIVE and TELL WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE." Psalm 118:17
David was confident that God would keep him from death. Jesus too was confident of his truth. He knew that "death had no hold on Him". He knew that He would RAISED TO LIFE after His crucifixion.
"These words had great meaning for Jesus before the cross. He would endure His Father's puroseful suffering and yet not be given over to eternal death". David Guzik
"We are sure of this because Jesus Christ was RAISED FROM THE DEAD and He will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him." Romans 6:9
"Martin Luther was a great man of God who faced threats on his life because of his reformation preaching. It is believed he had this verse written on the wall of his study: "I SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE; AND RECOUNT THE DEEDS OF THE LORD." Charles Spurgeon
Martin Luther is said to have "a strong connection with this Psalm". Like David, his love for and faith in God was "passionate". He was inspired by Jesus' words:
"I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live."
John 11:27 (NIV)
Just as David was delivered by God, so Christ empowers us and "snatches us out of the realms of death". David understood that he needed the chastisement (discipline) of the Lord for training and correction. But he would not allow it to destroy him. The same is true for us. Like David and Luther, God wants us to proclaim to others the valiant and glorious things that God and His Son have done - particularly HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION.
"The Lord has punished me severly, but he did not let me die." Psalm 118:18 (NLT)
"No discipline is enjoyable while is it happening; it is painful. But afterward, there will be a PEACEFUL HARVEST of RIGHT LIVING for those who are trained in its way." Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)
PALM SUNDAY - Read Psalm 118:19-21; 2 Samuel 6; Ezra 6:13-22; Matthew 21:1-11
"Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them and I will praise the Lord."
Psalm 118:19 (NKJV)
David probably had in mind when he wrote this Psalm "the triumphal entry into Jerusalem - the Holy City." With gates open, he could go through and PRAISE THE LORD. This would probably have been the time when he had been bring the Ark of God back into his city.
"David dance with all his might before the Lord.....David and all the Israelites shouted with joy and blew their trumpets as they brought the ARK OF THE LORD into the city.....David put up a Tent for the Ark of the Lord, and then the Israelites put the ARK in its place in the TENT." 2 Samuel 6:14,15&17
Ezra cited this Psalm when the people came into the new Jerusalem, The ARK would now be placed inside the TEMPLE, and the Priests and the priests could go in at certain times into "the presence of the Lord", to make sacrifices of the Jewish people and the "non Jewish people who had given up their unclean ways."
"This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter." Psalm 118:20
"Blessed be your wonderful name. It is more wonderful than blessing and praisings. You are the Only God....the angels of God worship you." Nehemiah 6:5&6b
Finally we think about Jesus. David is prophesying Jesus' entry into to gates of Jerusalem, on the day we call "Palm Sunday", the beginning of Holy Week.
"David promised to give thanks to God for our coming Messiah and ultimate salvation." Matthew Henry.
This took place to fulfill another prophecy:
"Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion. Shout, daughter Jerusalem. SEE YOUR KING COMES TO YOU, RIGHTEOUS AND VICTORIOUS, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9
"Jesus was in the centre of the procession and the people all around Him were shouting, "Praise God, the Son of David. Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord. PRAISE GOD IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN." Matthew 21:9
"A large crowd of Pharisees and visitors took palm branches and went down to the road to meet Him: They shouted: "Praise God! Blessings on the One who comes in the Name of the Lord. HAIL THE KING OF ISRAEL." John 12:13
"David desired admission into God's sanctuary, there to celebrate the glory of the COMING MESSIAH. He is the "GATE OF THE TEMPLE", by whom the righteous shall enter." Matthew Henry
After completing His work at the CROSS and HIS RESURRECTION, Jesus would be received into HEAVEN'S GATES through HIS ASCENSION. We too will enter these GATES if we righteously accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and SING HIS PRAISES.
"Yes, I AM THE GATE. Those who come through me will be saved. They will come and go freely with good pastures." John 10:9
THE LORD IS MY CORNERSTONE - Read Psalm 118:22&23; Isaiah 28:16; Acts 4:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10
"The STONE which the builder's rejected have now become THE CORNERSTONE."Psalm 118:22
"We don't know what personal experience led David to write these words, but we do know it was a prophetic statement about Jesus, because it certainly fulfilled His work." David Guzik
The principal reference to the CORNERSTONE is JESUS CHRIST. Jesus was rejected and humiliated by His own people:
* They didn't approve of His origin.
* They didn't approve of His education.
* They didn't approve of His lack of religious tradition.
* They didn't approve of His choice of friends,.
"How does He know so much when He hasn't been trained?" John 7:25
"But some Pharisees said: "Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?"
Luke 6:2
"The Pharisees asked His disciples: "Why does your teacher each with such scum?" Matthew 9:11
We do know that Jesus is the ONE referred to in these other scriptures; both prophetic and after he had returned to His Father.
"Therefore, thus says the Lord God: "I lay in Zion a STONE for a FOUNDATION, a TRIED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, A SURE FOUNDATION; whoever believes will not act hastily."Isaiah 28:16
"The STONE which the builders rejected has become A CHIEF CORNERSTONE. Their SALVATION is in no one else! God has given no other Name under Heaven by which you must be SAVED." Acts 4:11&12
"Behold, I lay in Zion A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, elect and precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6
The CORNERSTONE was an important STONE that held together two stones at the corner - THE FOUNDATION - it stabilized all the other stones. The "CHIEF CORNERSTONE - JESUS CHRIST" - is our foundation, through which we have SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
"Jesus would have had tears in His eyes as He sang these verses, He knew he would be rejected, yet He would still be the 'CHIEF CORNERSTONE'. " David Guzik
RESURRECTION SUNDAY - LET US REJOICE - Psalm 118:24-27
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
David wrote Psalms in the "wilderness" and in "caves". He wasn't always in a palace! But he felt that every day deserved a chance to be a good one - a chance to REJOICE! Why? Because they were all GOD'S DAYS! David's days, like ours, weren't always "stress free", but he didn't do a lot of grumbling. Like Paul, he learnt that it was better to PRAISE AND THANK THE LORD.
"Always be full of joy in the Lord! I say it again - REJOICE! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anying, instead, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. Tell God what you need and THANK HIM for all He has done. Then you will experience GOD'S PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand. HIS PEACE will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)
You can't change, alter or improve PAST DAYS, so don LIVE TODAY WITH REGRETS. You can't live TODAY with the cares of TOMORROW; so just give each NEW DAY to the Lord. Don't worry about what the future may hold! GIVE EACH NEW DAY GOD HAS MADE A CHANCE!
* Saturate your day with GOD'S GRACE.
* Enturst your day with GOD'S OVERSIGHT.
* Accept HIS DIRECTION!
FILL YOUR DAY WITH GOD!
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh every morning." Lamentations 3:22&23 (NLT)
We will rejoice and be glad, like David, with each new day God has made.
"Easter is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Nancy Koester
A few days ago we celebrated GOOD FRIDAY, when we remember, Jesus our Redeemer and Saviour,who died on the cross for our sins - "His great atoning sacrifice". Although we now celebration Resurrection Sunday, we still need to immerse ourselves in his GRACE AND REDEMPTION. Because of both Jesus' DEATH AND RESURRECTION we can now live a NEW ETERNAL LIFE.
"Now if we died with Christ, WE ALSO LIVE WITH HIM. For we know that since Christ was RAISED FROM THE DEAD, He cannot die again, death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died for sin once for all; BUT THE LIFE HE LIVES, HE LIVES TO GOD.... for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:8-10, 23
"The Lord is shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar." Psalm 118:27
"Jesus said: "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness but will have the LIGHT OF LIFE." John 8:12
There is a brief, but important focus on Yahweh, the TRUE GOD, who gave His Son willingly to die for us. God showed us the LIGHT - JESUS CHRIST - He shone upon us so we could have ETERNAL LIFE in Him. As he sang these word "to bind" him to the "the altar" (the cross) Jesus was making a "holy sacrifice". These were leading into David's words of significant PRAISE.
"Jesus echoed these words in the Upper Room, singing His praise and exultation, evidence of Hius submission to God His Father." David Guzik
CONCLUSION: PRAISE and THANKS - Read Psalm 118:28&29;
"You are my God and I WILL PRAISE YOU, You are my God, I WILL EXALT YOU! GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD for He is good. His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 118: 28&29
David concludes with a THANKFUL acknowledgment to His Father God. He began with "heartfelt, exuberant praises" and ends with the same.
* He will PRAISE AND EXALT THE LORD.
* He will GIVE THANKS TO JESUS - His great Redeemer.
* In Him, he has shown HIS GREAT LOVE AND MERCY "that endures forever."
David give PRAISE for His PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE blessings. He does not believe in "delaying praise or thanks for any reason". Not only does he sing HIS OWN PRAISES, but he encourages others to to join him. Christians today can still be assured that if they START EACH DAY WITH PRAISE we can END IT WITH PRAISE, no matter what our circumstances.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, for this is God's will for all who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Jesus Himself received unending LOVE AND MERCY from His Father, and we can be assured it will be given to us, through Him.
"What better close to a royal song! The Psalmist could not have RISEN to anything HIGHER. He had reached the heart of the Grandeur and THERE HE PAUSED!" Charles Spurgeon
"His Love Endures Forever" (2013) Michaerl W. Smith (Artist) You Tube
"Christ Alone, Cornerstone" (2012) Rueben Morgan (Artist) - Hillsong Music, You Tube
"This is the Day that the Lord Has Made" (1967/2022) Les Garrett (Composer) Michael Sington (Artist), Gokidz, Asia, You Tube.
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" (1757/2018) Charles Wesley (Composer) Go Fish (Artist), www.gofishkids.com, You Tube.
"O God, You are My God" (2016) Rich Mullins (Artist), You Tube.
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