Psalm CXVIII: A Timeless Song of Thanksgiving and Trust

Welcome! Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of writing so old yet so relevant that it feels like it was written just for you? That’s the magic of psalm cxviii. This ancient song, found in the heart of the biblical Book of Psalms, is a powerful and uplifting anthem of thanksgiving, trust, and victory. It’s not just a collection of old words; it’s a living text that has brought comfort and strength to people for thousands of years. In this article, we’ll take a friendly journey through this remarkable psalm, exploring its history, its powerful messages, and why it continues to resonate with so many people today. We will uncover its layers of meaning, from its role in ancient festivals to its profound personal application in our modern lives.

What Is Psalm CXVIII? A Brief Introduction

At its core, psalm cxviii is a song of public thanksgiving. It’s designed to be sung or recited by a community celebrating God’s goodness and deliverance. Imagine a grand parade heading towards a temple, with a leader and a crowd singing back and forth. That’s the kind of vibrant, celebratory atmosphere this psalm creates. Scholars believe it was used during major religious festivals in ancient Israel, such as the Feast of Tabernacles. The psalm is filled with expressions of gratitude for being saved from distress, declarations of unwavering trust in God over human power, and a triumphant celebration of divine love and faithfulness. It’s a journey from trouble to triumph, a story that everyone can relate to in some way.

Key Takeaways

• Psalm CXVIII is a song of thanksgiving: It celebrates God’s enduring love and deliverance from hardship.
• It emphasizes trust in God: The psalm repeatedly contrasts the reliability of God with the unreliability of human leaders.
• The “Cornerstone” is a central theme: This powerful metaphor refers to a rejected stone that becomes the most important part of a structure, symbolizing unexpected victory and divine choice.
• It has historical and personal significance: Used in ancient Jewish festivals, it is also quoted in the New Testament and offers personal encouragement to individuals facing challenges.
• “This is the day the Lord has made”: This famous line from psalm cxviii is a call to rejoice in the present moment.

The Historical Context of Psalm CXVIII

To truly appreciate psalm cxviii, we need to step back in time. While the exact author is not named, many scholars believe this psalm was written after the Israelites returned from their exile in Babylon around the 5th century BCE. This was a time of rebuilding—not just the physical temple in Jerusalem, but the very spirit and identity of the nation. The people had faced immense hardship, the destruction of their capital, and the loss of their homeland. Returning and starting over was a monumental task filled with uncertainty and opposition.

In this context, psalm cxviii becomes a powerful declaration of national survival and gratitude. The “distress” mentioned in the psalm could easily refer to the suffering of exile. The victory being celebrated is the miraculous return and the chance to rebuild their community and place of worship. The psalm’s structure, with its call-and-response format, suggests it was used in a large public ceremony, perhaps the dedication of the new temple. It served as a reminder to the people that despite their recent suffering, God’s love was “enduring” and had seen them through the darkest of times.

Unpacking the Structure and Themes

Psalm CXVIII can be broken down into several distinct parts, each with its own focus. This structure helps guide the worshiper through a progression of praise, testimony, and renewed commitment.

This clear and intentional structure makes psalm cxviii a complete and satisfying liturgical piece. It takes the participant from a general call to praise, through a specific story of salvation, and into the sacred space of the temple, culminating in a communal celebration.

The Power of Enduring Love

The phrase “His love endures forever” acts as a powerful bookend and refrain in psalm cxviii. It appears at the very beginning and the very end, framing the entire song. This isn’t just a casual statement; it’s the foundational belief upon which the rest of the psalm is built. In Hebrew, the word for “love” here is chesed, which is a rich term that implies loyal, covenantal love, mercy, and faithfulness. It’s a love that isn’t based on feelings but on a steadfast commitment. For the people of Israel, who had experienced both highs and lows, this was a crucial anchor. It meant that even when they faced enemies, exile, or despair, God’s faithful love was the one constant they could always count on.

“The Lord Is on My Side; I Will Not Fear”

One of the most powerful sections of psalm cxviii is the personal testimony of trust (verses 5-9). The psalmist declares with bold confidence, “When hard-pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” This is a radical statement of faith. The speaker contrasts the power of God with the power of human beings, including influential “princes” or rulers.

The conclusion is clear:

• It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
• It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

This isn’t a rejection of human relationships or good leadership. Rather, it’s a statement about ultimate trust. In a world where people and circumstances can be unreliable, the psalmist points to God as the only truly secure refuge. This message is just as relevant today. We often place our ultimate hope in a job, a relationship, or our own abilities, only to be let down. Psalm CXVIII reminds us to reorient our trust toward something—or someone—unshakeable.

The Symbolism of the Cornerstone

Perhaps the most famous and influential passage in psalm cxviii is verse 22: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” This single line is a brilliant and enduring metaphor. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the principal stone, laid at the corner of a building to guide the placement of every other stone. It had to be perfect. The image here is of builders inspecting stones, tossing one aside as flawed or unsuitable. But then, that very rejected stone is chosen to be the most important stone in the entire structure.

From Rejection to Exaltation

This metaphor speaks volumes. It’s a story of a great reversal. What was considered worthless becomes priceless. What was rejected becomes the very foundation. For the people of Israel, this could have symbolized the nation itself—a small, seemingly insignificant people who were “rejected” by the great empires of the world but were chosen by God for a special purpose. They were the rejected stone that God made into his cornerstone. It’s a powerful symbol of hope for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or cast aside. It says that human judgment is not the final word.

The Cornerstone in the New Testament

This verse from psalm cxviii takes on an even deeper meaning in the New Testament. Jesus Christ himself quotes this verse when talking to the religious leaders who were rejecting him (Matthew 21:42). He applies the “rejected stone” metaphor to himself. The apostles Peter and Paul later expand on this, identifying Jesus as the cornerstone of the church (Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:7). In this interpretation, Jesus was rejected by the leaders of his own people and crucified, but he was raised from the dead by God to become the foundation of a new spiritual “house”—the church. This connection makes psalm cxviii a critical text for Christians, linking Old Testament prophecy with the central figure of their faith.

“This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”

Another cherished line from psalm cxviii is verse 24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This simple, joyful declaration has become a staple in songs, prayers, and daily affirmations for millions of people. While it is located within the context of a specific national celebration, its message is universal and timeless. It’s a call to embrace the present moment as a gift from God.

This isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending that every day is perfect. The psalmist who wrote this had just finished describing intense distress and being surrounded by enemies. But having come through that trouble, the perspective shifts. The ability to celebrate this day is a direct result of God’s deliverance. The verse teaches us a powerful lesson in mindfulness and gratitude. It encourages us to find reasons for joy right now, in this very day, because each day is a new opportunity and a fresh gift of life.

Psalm CXVIII in Jewish and Christian Liturgy

Given its powerful themes and celebratory tone, it’s no surprise that psalm cxviii holds a special place in both Jewish and Christian worship traditions. Its liturgical use highlights its enduring importance.

Use in Judaism

In Jewish tradition, psalm cxviii is a central part of the Hallel. The Hallel is a collection of psalms (113-118) that are recited on joyous holidays, including Passover, Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). These are pilgrimage festivals where the people would celebrate God’s major acts of salvation in Israel’s history. Reciting psalm cxviii during these times connects the contemporary worshiper with the ancient celebrations of deliverance, whether from slavery in Egypt (Passover) or from wandering in the desert (Sukkot). The call-and-response nature and the triumphant declarations make it a perfect fit for these communal celebrations.

Use in Christianity

In Christianity, psalm cxviii is significant for several reasons. As mentioned, its “cornerstone” prophecy is directly applied to Jesus. Furthermore, the Gospels record that crowds greeted Jesus with lines from this psalm when he entered Jerusalem on what is now known as Palm Sunday. They shouted, “Hosanna!” (which means “Save us, please!”) and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9), both of which are direct quotes from verses 25-26 of psalm cxviii. This event firmly places Jesus in the role of the celebrated and awaited king. Because of these strong connections, the psalm is often read and studied during the Easter season, linking the ancient song of victory to the Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

Finding Personal Meaning in Psalm CXVIII Today

While its historical and liturgical contexts are fascinating, the true power of psalm cxviii lies in its ability to speak to us personally. You don’t have to be part of a national victory parade to connect with its message. We all face our own “enemies”—whether they are challenges at work, health issues, broken relationships, or internal struggles with anxiety and fear.

This psalm provides a roadmap for navigating those struggles:

1. Cry Out for Help (v. 5): The first step the psalmist takes is to acknowledge the distress and turn to God. It’s okay to admit that you’re in a “tight spot” and need help.
2. Shift Your Trust (v. 8-9): Make a conscious decision to place your ultimate hope in God’s faithfulness rather than in fallible human solutions or your own strength.
3. Remember Past Deliverances (v. 14-16): Remind yourself of times when you have been helped before. Recalling past victories builds faith for present battles.
4. Embrace Today (v. 24): No matter what you’re facing, find a reason to be grateful for the gift of today. This practice can shift your entire perspective from fear to joy.
5. Look for the “Cornerstone” Moment: Believe that even situations that feel like rejections or failures can be turned into something foundational and beautiful. What seems like a setback could be a setup for a comeback.

As you navigate life’s complexities, the timeless words of psalm cxviii can serve as a source of immense encouragement. For those interested in exploring broader topics of wisdom and personal growth, you might find insightful articles at a resource like forbesplanet.co.uk.

Conclusion

Psalm CXVIII is far more than just an ancient poem. It is a robust and vibrant anthem of the human experience, echoing the journey from distress to deliverance, from rejection to exaltation, and from fear to faith. Its verses have given voice to the gratitude of a nation and the intimate trust of an individual. Whether chanted in ancient temple courtyards, quoted by Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, or whispered in quiet prayer today, its central message remains unchanged: God’s love is steadfast, and He is a worthy refuge in times of trouble. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This invitation continues to call us to a life of gratitude, courage, and unwavering hope.

The enduring legacy of this text is a testament to its profound spiritual power. As a cornerstone of liturgical tradition and personal devotion, its influence is woven deeply into the fabric of Western spiritual thought. For more detailed information on the historical and textual aspects of the Book of Psalms, you can explore resources such as the comprehensive entry on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who wrote psalm cxviii?
A: The author of psalm cxviii is anonymous. While some traditions associate many psalms with King David, modern scholars believe this particular psalm was likely written by a temple poet or priest for use in public worship after the Babylonian exile (around the 5th century BCE).

Q2: What is the main message of psalm cxviii?
A: The main message is one of triumphant thanksgiving to God for His deliverance and His “enduring love” (chesed). It emphasizes placing trust in God over human power and celebrates God’s ability to turn rejection and hardship into victory, as symbolized by the “rejected cornerstone.”

Q3: Why is the “cornerstone” in psalm cxviii so important to Christians?
A: The “cornerstone” is critically important because Jesus and the New Testament writers explicitly apply this metaphor to him. They teach that Jesus, though rejected and crucified by human authorities, was raised by God to become the foundational cornerstone of the church and of salvation itself.

Q4: What does “Hosanna” mean in psalm cxviii?
A: “Hosanna” is an English transliteration of a Hebrew phrase from verse 25, hoshia na, which literally means “Save, please!” or “Save now!” In its original context, it was a plea for deliverance and blessing. When the crowds shouted it at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, it was used as an exclamation of praise, acknowledging him as the one bringing salvation.

Q5: How can I apply psalm cxviii to my own life?
A: You can apply psalm cxviii by adopting its posture of trust and gratitude. In times of difficulty, you can cry out to God as the psalmist did. You can make a conscious choice to trust in God’s faithfulness more than in temporary solutions. You can also practice celebrating each day as a gift (“This is the day the Lord has made”) and believe that your setbacks can be transformed into foundational strengths.