Psalm 118
God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever
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Psalm 118 is a robust call to praise and thanksgiving, focusing on God's steadfast love and faithfulness. It is filled with expressions of trust in God's protection and guidance, with phrases that are quoted or alluded to in the New Testament, particularly in reference to Jesus Christ.
Section 1: Invitation to Praise (Verses 1-4)
"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”"
Harmony
The New Testament continues the theme of God's enduring love, as seen in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Talking Points:
The universal call to give thanks to God for His goodness.
The repetition of the phrase, "His steadfast love endures forever," emphasizing the eternal nature of God's love.
The different groups invited to declare God's love, including Israel, the priests, and all who fear the Lord.
Questions:
Why is it essential to recognize and declare the steadfast love of the Lord?
How can we see God's steadfast love in our lives today?
What does it mean for God's love to endure forever?
Section 2: Trust in the Lord's Salvation (Verses 5-18)
"In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor! The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!” I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death."
Harmony
Jesus is our refuge and salvation, as depicted in Hebrews 6:18-20. The early Christians, such as in Acts 4:11-12, recognized Jesus as the cornerstone, fulfilling the prophetic words of Psalm 118.
Talking Points:
The expression of trust in the Lord as a refuge and helper in times of distress.
The affirmation that God's support is more reliable than human strength or authority.
The acknowledgment of triumph and victory through God's power.
Questions:
How does calling on the Lord in distress change our circumstances and perspectives?
Why is it better to take refuge in the Lord rather than trusting in people?
How can we cultivate trust in God in our daily lives?
Section 3: The Joy of Victory and Entrance into God's Presence (Verses 19-29)
"Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give You thanks. You are my God, and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever."
Harmony
Jesus referred to Himself as the stone that the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42), fulfilling this prophecy. The idea of entering God's gates with thanksgiving is reflected in the worship and adoration of Christ in Revelation.
Talking Points:
The imagery of entering God's gates, symbolizing access to His presence.
The prophecy of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, fulfilled in Christ.
The celebration of God's marvelous works in salvation.
Questions:
What does entering the "gates of righteousness" signify in our relationship with God?
How does the metaphor of the rejected stone point to Christ?
In what ways can we express our gratitude and joy for God's salvation?
Summary
Psalm 118, interpreted through the perspective of the New Covenant in Christ, is a song of praise and thanksgiving for God's steadfast love, salvation, and victory, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's declaration that God's love endures forever points to the eternal love and grace of Jesus, who offers salvation to all who believe (John 3:16, Romans 8:38-39).
The psalmist's proclamation of the Lord as his strength and song aligns with Jesus being the source of our strength and the reason for our rejoicing (Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 1:30).
The psalmist's description of God as his salvation prefigures the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross, through which we are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Ephesians 1:7).
The psalmist's declaration of victory over enemies corresponds to the triumph of Jesus over sin and death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Colossians 2:15).
The psalmist's affirmation that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone points to Jesus as the rejected Messiah who became the foundation of the Church (Matthew 21:42, Ephesians 2:20).
The psalmist's call to give thanks and praise to the Lord aligns with our response of worship and gratitude for the salvation we have through Jesus (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Ultimately, Psalm 118 leads us to Jesus as our Savior, Cornerstone, and the reason for our joy and thanksgiving, inviting us to trust in His unfailing love and celebrate His victory over all challenges.