Psalms 118:14-16

14 The LORD is my strength and my defense^[a] ; he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”

Psalms 118:14-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 118

Kimchi says their Rabbins are divided about this psalm. Some understand it of David; others of the Messiah: but, with us Christians, there ought to be no doubt of its belonging to the Messiah; since our Lord has quoted a passage out of it, and applied it to himself, Ps 118:22,23; see Mt 21:42; and so has the Apostle Peter, Ac 4:11. Nor did the Jews of those times object thereunto, which doubtless they would have done, had the psalm respected any other but the Messiah; yea, the common people that attended Christ when he entered into Jerusalem, and the children in the temple, took their "hosanna" from hence, Ps 118:26; see Mt 21:9,15. It is generally thought to be written by David, after he was established in the kingdom, and had brought the ark of the Lord into the city. It concludes the great "Hallel", or hymn sung at the Jewish festivals; particularly at the feasts of tabernacle and the passover.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 15:2
• 2. S Psalms 62:2; Isaiah 12:2
• 3. S Job 8:21; S Psalms 106:5; Psalms 68:3
• 4. S Exodus 15:6; Psalms 89:13; Psalms 108:6
• 5. Luke 1:51

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "song"