Psalm 118

This is the final “Hallel Psalm” and we are altogether certain this is the one Jesus sang with His disciples on His way to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was originally composed as a processional and is plainly designed for antiphonal worship, with the congregation echoing in response to the leading lines of a solo cantor. It is loaded with phrases and declarations meant to easily memorize, and we see them echoed throughout the Bible.

The imagery here is highly expressive; the word for “thanks” depicts throwing the hands in the air and shaking them in ecstatic gratitude for uncountable blessings. There is a standard progression repeated: the people of Israel, the Levites leading the procession, and anyone else who feels drawn to honor the Lord. Each is encouraged to declare that God’s mercy outlasts Creation itself.

Then we come to a long section that may well have been composed originally as a separate work, but gains currency in corporate worship by virtue of including everyone individually. Each person is called up to celebrate and assert that they personally have experienced Jehovah’s divine favor.

The word for “distress” is a tight, narrow corner; the deliverance was God opening up space to maneuver or escape. If the place you stand is next to God, how can any force in Creation harm you? He made all things. In the long run, nothing can harm. Our cynicism about humanity is fully justified because no power on earth can match what God does for those who revere Him. So when humans buzz around us like a swarm of bees, we know that busy sound is also like thorns on fire, consumed quickly and gone. Whatever you might do to harm me must first be approved by my God. Maybe you don’t see His hand, but what it does is bigger than all of us.

This business of His powerful right hand becomes the focus of yet another fruitful branch of celebration. It was from ancient times the symbol of a man’s authority, power and his track record of accomplishments. If that hand chastens me, regardless how rough it gets, it will always be in my best interest. The celebrant declares his intent to live in whatever place God’s righteous glory shines. Show me the gate, Lord! And Jesus made a point that He was the stone the builders rejected, a reference to how humans cannot judge things with God’s wisdom. He was judged worthy of execution, but His rejection became the single biggest block on which the whole Kingdom of Heaven is founded. God does not operate as men do; they should strive to operate as He does.

The ancient phrase, “this is the day that the Lord has made,” is often misunderstood when translated. We would deceive ourselves longing for some golden time past, or some fantasy day to come. Right now is the appointed time to call on His name and seize the calling for what is in your hands already. The time is ripe — Ancient Near Eastern people always viewed time not as something to measure and schedule, but contemplated time as a matter of ripeness. So give us this day what is just due for Your divine calling on us, Lord. How blessed is the one who operates in this world as an ambassador of Jehovah.

The final verses call on the Levites to prepare the festal sacrifice unto the God who has enlightened us. It matters not what others may say or do, but we declare Him our God. The last words repeat the refrain of the first words in this psalm: His mercy outlasts Creation itself.