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Tehillim - Psalm 118

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Throughout this site I will use anyone of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS), 2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh: 1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings).

*The Ketuvim - includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Some minor alterations have been made relating to Names and Attributes having been corrected.

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Tehillim - Psalm Chapter 118.

Tehillim - Psalm 118: A Comprehensive Study.

Introduction:

In Judaism, Tehillim - Psalm 118:1, “O give thanks to יָהוָה (the LORD), for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever,” is a foundational declaration of faith, often recited during celebrations and festivals. It emphasizes אֱלֹהִים (God’s) enduring goodness and mercy, highlighting themes of deliverance and redemption, particularly in the context of historical events like the Exodus and the building of the Second Temple. The Tehillim is a key part of the ‘Hallel’, a series of Tehillim’s recited on joyous occasions, and is viewed as a celebration of אֱלֹהִים (God’s) faithfulness throughout our Jewish history.

Authorship and Historical Context:

Psalm 118 is traditionally attributed to King David, reflecting his experiences of peril, אֱלֹהִים (God’s) rescue, and ensuing praise. Its placement as the finale of the Hallel underscores its role in corporate worship and national remembrance of divine faithfulness.

Literary Structure and Outline:

This Tehillim - Psalm unfolds into six thematic units:

Verses	Section Title	Summary
1–4	Call to Thanksgiving	Invitation to Israel, the house of Acharon - Aaron, and worshipers to declare אֱלֹהִים – (God’s) steadfast love.
5–9	Personal Testimony of Deliverance	The psalmist recounts crying out in distress and finding refuge in יָהוָה (the LORD).
10–14	Triumph over Enemies	Victory in אֱלֹהִים (God’s) Name, depiction of enemies like swarming bees and אֱלֹהִים as strength.
15–21	Songs of Salvation	Joyful shouts in the tents of the righteous and quest to enter the gates of righteousness.
22–24	The Exalted Cornerstone	“The stone the builders rejected” becomes the cornerstone.
25–29	Final Prayer and Praise	Plea for salvation, blessing of the one in אֱלֹהִים (God’s) Name, and closing thanksgiving.

Each unit builds from personal deliverance to universal celebration, weaving individual testimony into communal worship.

Key Themes:

אֱלֹהִים (God’s) Steadfast Love (Chesed): Repeated refrain “His steadfast love endures forever” anchors the Tehillim’s theology.

Refuge in יָהוָה (the LORD): Contrasts divine protection with the unreliability of human leaders and nations.

Deliverance and Victory: Enemies surround and swarm, yet are overcome in אֱלֹהִים (God’s) Name.

Joyful Worship: Calls to “rejoice and be glad in this day” emphasize gratitude for אֱלֹהִים (God’s) interventions.

Verse-by-Verse Highlights:

Verses 1–4: Proclamation of יָהוָה (the LORD) (God’s) Love

Verse 1: “Give thanks to יָהוָה (the LORD), for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.”

Verses 2–4: Inclusive chorus from Israel to Acharon - Aaron’s priests to all who fear יָהוָה (the LORD) echoes the refrain.

Verses 5–9: Cry in Distress, Refuge in יָהוָה (the LORD).

Verse 5: In affliction (“Tsarah”), the Psalmist calls; אֱלֹהִים answers and enlarges his place of freedom.

Verses 6–7: Confidence without fear; אֱלֹהִים as helper ensures triumph over adversaries.

Verses 8–9: “Better to take refuge in יָהוָה (the LORD) than trust in man or princes.”

Verses 10–14: Overcoming Overwhelming Odds

Verses 10–12: Nations swirl like bees, yet perish like burning thorns when יָהוָה acts.

Verses 13–14: Near-collapse averted by divine help; אֱלֹהִים becomes strength, song, and salvation (yeshuah).

Verses 15–21: Songs of Salvation and Entry

Verses 15–16: “יָהוָה right hand has done mighty things!” shouts of victory in righteous camps.

Verses 17–18: Vow to live and proclaim אֱלֹהִים (God’s) deeds; acknowledgement of divine discipline without death.

Verses 19–21: Petition for gates of righteousness to open, enabling communal thanksgiving and declaration of salvation.

Verses 22–24: The Cornerstone.

Verse 22: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

Verse 23: Recognition that this marvelous turn is יָהוָה (the LORD’s) doing.

Verse 24: Call to rejoice in the day יָהוָה has made universal invitation to joy.

Verses 25–29: Final Pleas and Benediction

Verses 25–26: Cry, “O יָהוָה, save us…grant us success!” followed by blessing “Blessed is he who comes in the Name of יָהוָה.”

Verses 27–28: Acknowledgment of אֱלֹהִים (God’s) light shining upon us; festal procession imagery.

Verse 29: Reprise of opening thanksgiving “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Theological Insights:

Covenantal Love: The Hebrew word “Chesed” denotes loyal, covenantal steadfastness, assuring אֱלֹהִים (God’s) people of unbreakable commitment.

Divine Discipline: Suffering (“chasten”) is corrective not destructive, affirming אֱלֹהִים (God’s) protective purpose.

Spatial Imagery: Gates as thresholds into divine presence underscore communal access granted to the righteous.

Divine Agency: Every victory and reversal is “from יָהוָה (the LORD),” highlighting אֱלֹהִים (God’s) sovereignty over history.

Liturgical and Modern Usage:

Tehillim - Psalm 118 remains central in Jewish worship:

Jewish Passover and Sukkot services include recitation of the ‘Hallel’, concluding with Psalm 118.

Practical Applications:

Cultivate daily gratitude by echoing “His steadfast love endures forever.”

In times of anxiety, choose refuge in אֱלֹהִים over reliance on human solutions.

Rejoice in “this day יָהוָה has made,” finding hope and purpose in each moment under God’s sovereignty.

Psalm 118 weaves personal deliverance into corporate praise. Its blend of gratitude, trust and it offers enduring wisdom for worship, theology, and our daily lives.

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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the Conversation:

Which part of this study or a line has touched you the most? And how do you feel, are you doing as a well being a faithful Jew upholding as many of our Mitzvoth’s? I am well aware that the modern world sadly contains far too many problems as well as enticements, which usually tends to throw many off track. Thus, the various struggles that may be taking place in your life in today, can so often have sad and cruel effects upon your life?

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“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

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Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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