Psalm 118
This psalm was probably composed by David, soon after his advancement to, and settlement on his throne, 2 Sam. 8. And contains, (1.) His earnest exhortations to persons of all ranks, offices, and states, to praise the Lord, for his everlasting mercy and kindness, ver. 1-4. (2.) By a recital of the great and gracious things which God had done for him, he encourageth himself and others to trust in God alone, ver. 5-18. (3.) His thanksgivings for God’s advancement of him to the throne, notwithstanding of all opposition as typical of the exaltation of Jesus Christ, ver. 19-23. (4.) His, and the priests’ and people’s triumph, in the expected prosperity of his reign; and of the flourishing of the kingdom of Christ, ver. 24-29.
While I sing, let my soul soar aloft to Jesus and his sure mercies. Let me behold him, who for the suffering of death was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour; having all his enemies put under his feet, but himself invested with all power in heaven and in earth; and furnished with all gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that God the Lord may dwell among them; and, as the God of their salvation, daily load them with benefits. Let me rejoice in his highness, and have myself, and all my services, bound with cords to his altar. And God forbid I should conclude the notes, without entering into the very marrow of the sense. Thou art My God, I’ll thee exalt; My God, I will thee praise.
1 O praise the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy lasteth ever.
2 Let those of Israel now say,
His mercy faileth never.
3 Now let the house of Aaron say,
His mercy lasteth ever.
4 Let those that fear the Lord now say,
His mercy faileth never.
5 I in distress call’d on the Lord;
the Lord did answer me:
He in a large place did me set,
from trouble made me free.
6 The mighty Lord is on my side,
I will not be afraid;
For any thing that man can do
I shall not be dismay’d.
7 The Lord doth take my part with them
that help to succour me:
Therefore on those that do me hate
I my desire shall see.
8 Better it is to trust in God
than trust in man’s defence;
9 Better to trust in God than make
princes our confidence.
10 The nations, joining all in one,
did compass me about:
But in the Lord’s most holy name
I shall them all root out.
11 They compass’d me about; I say,
they compass’d me about:
But in the Lord’s most holy name
I shall them all root out.
12 Like bees they compass’d me about;
like unto thorns that flame
They quenched are: for them shall I
destroy in God’s own name.
13 Thou sore hast thrust, that I might fall,
but my Lord helped me.
14 God my salvation is become,
my strength and song is he.
15 In dwellings of the righteous
is heard the melody
Of joy and health: the Lord’s right hand
doth ever valiantly.
16 The right hand of the mighty Lord
exalted is on high;
The right hand of the mighty Lord
doth ever valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and shall
the works of God discover.
18 The Lord hath me chastised sore,
but not to death giv’n over.
19 O set ye open unto me
the gates of righteousness;
Then will I enter into them,
and I the Lord will bless.
20 This is the gate of God, by it
the just shall enter in.
21 Thee will I praise, for thou me heard’st
and hast my safety been.
22 That stone is made head corner-stone,
which builders did despise:
23 This is the doing of the Lord,
and wondrous in our eyes.
24 This is the day God made, in it
we’ll joy triumphantly.
25 Save now, I pray thee, Lord; I pray,
send now prosperity.
26 Blessed is he in God’s great name
that cometh us to save:
We, from the house which to the Lord
pertains, you blessed have.
27 God is the Lord, who unto us
hath made light to arise:
Bind ye unto the altar’s horns
with cords the sacrifice.
28 Thou art my God, I’ll thee exalt;
my God, I will thee praise.
29 Give thanks to God, for he is good:
his mercy lasts always.
