Psalms 118
The Stone the Builders Rejected
Overview
Psalm 118 is a triumphant celebration of God's deliverance, climaxing in the prophetic declaration that the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone—fulfilled in Christ.
Introduction
Psalm 118 concludes the Egyptian Hallel and was sung by Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30">Matthew 26:30). It celebrates victory through adversity, contains the famous "This is the day that the LORD has made," and prophesies the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. This psalm is quoted more in the New Testament than almost any other, pointing unmistakably to Christ.
Steadfast Love Endures
[1-4] "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" [1]. Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the LORD are called to declare this truth. The refrain "his steadfast love endures forever" anchors everything that follows—God's unwavering covenant loyalty is the reason for celebration.
- Give thanks to the LORD [1]: Gratitude is the proper response to His goodness
- His steadfast love endures forever [1-4]: The foundational truth repeated four times
From Distress to Deliverance
[5-9] "Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free" [5]. With God on his side, the psalmist asks, "What can man do to me?" [6]. "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" [8]—or even princes [9]. Human help is limited; divine help is unlimited.
- The LORD answered me [5]: God responds to desperate cries
- The LORD is on my side [6]: The ultimate security
- Better to trust the LORD [8-9]: Human power disappoints; God never does
Victory Over Enemies
[10-14] "All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!" [10]. Three times the psalmist declares that though surrounded "like bees" and blazing "like fire," he cut them off in the LORD's name [10-12]. "The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation" [14]—a phrase echoing the Song of Moses after the Exodus (Exodus 15:2">Exodus 15:2).
The Right Hand of the LORD
[15-18] "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly" is declared three times [15-16]. "I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD" [17]. Even severe discipline has purpose: "The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death" [18].
- Right hand of the LORD [15-16]: Symbol of God's power and action
- I shall not die but live [17]: Life preserved to testify
- Discipline, not destruction [18]: God's chastening is restorative
The Gate of the LORD
[19-21] "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD" [19]. The righteous enter these gates [20]. "I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation" [21].
The Rejected Stone
[22-24] "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" [22]. Jesus applied this verse to Himself (Matthew 21:42">Matthew 21:42), showing that He, rejected by Israel's leaders, would become the foundation of God's new temple—the Church. "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes" [23]. "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" [24].
- The rejected stone [22]: Christ rejected by religious leaders
- The cornerstone [22]: Christ as the foundation of the Church
- The LORD's doing [23]: Divine reversal, not human achievement
Hosanna and Blessing
[25-29] "Save us, we pray, O LORD!" [25]—"Hosanna" in Hebrew. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" [26]—shouted at Jesus' triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9">Matthew 21:9). "The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us" [27]. The psalm concludes as it began: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" [29].
Key Takeaways
- God's steadfast love endures forever [1-4]: The foundation of all confidence
- Trust God, not man [8-9]: Human help fails; divine help prevails
- Christ is the cornerstone [22]: The rejected One becomes the foundation
- This is the day [24]: Every day is an opportunity for rejoicing
Reflection Questions
- Where are you trusting in human help when you should be trusting in the LORD?
- How does knowing that Christ is the cornerstone shape your understanding of the Church?
- What does it mean for you to "rejoice and be glad" in the day the LORD has made?
Pause and Reflect
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." — Psalm 118:22-23
Take 5 minutes to consider how Christ, rejected by the world, has become the foundation of your life. Marvel at God's reversal—what men rejected, God exalted. Thank Him for including you in this marvelous work.
This Bible study was written by Claude AI to help you engage with God's Word while our team prepares in-depth studies. We believe Scripture speaks for itself, and we hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your study.