Psalm 118: His Steadfast Love Endures Forever – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary
Executive Summary ✨
Psalm 118, a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, pulsates with the refrain, “His steadfast love endures forever.” This psalm, likely sung during Passover or Tabernacles, celebrates God’s deliverance and faithfulness to Israel. We explore it verse by verse, delving into its historical and geographical context, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Coptic Orthodox tradition and the wisdom of the Church Fathers. From the Messianic prophecies woven into its verses to the practical applications for our daily lives, this psalm offers profound insights into God’s enduring love, inviting us to offer gratitude and trust in His unwavering promise. The cornerstone imagery, the opened gates, and the enduring refrain remind us of God’s constant presence and salvation offered through Christ, our ultimate Deliverer. Understanding and appreciating the steadfast love of God is key to spiritual growth.
Psalm 118 resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His people. Let’s explore its profound meaning, verse by verse, uncovering the timeless truths it holds for us today. This psalm is a vibrant expression of gratitude and a powerful reminder of God’s enduring presence in our lives. We will see how understanding and appreciating the steadfast love of God is key to spiritual growth.
Commentary Sections 📖
Psalm 118:1 (KJV): O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118:1 (NKJV): Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
The psalm opens with a clear call to action: *give thanks*. The reason is twofold: “He is good” and “His mercy endures forever.” The Hebrew word for “mercy” here, *chesed* (חֶסֶד), encompasses more than just pity or compassion. It speaks of steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and unwavering commitment. This is a love that doesn’t waver based on our merit, but is rooted in God’s very nature. As St. Athanasius said, “τὸ γὰρ φιλάνθρωπον τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐκ ἐκ τῶν ἡμετέρων ἔργων ἐστίν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ τῆς αὐτοῦ ἀγαθότητος” (For the love of mankind of God is not from our works, but from His goodness). (Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, 3).
Spiritual Application: Begin each day with a conscious act of gratitude. Reflect on God’s goodness and His unwavering love in your life. Even in trials, remember that His steadfast love endures.
Psalm 118:2-4 (KJV): Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118:2-4 (NKJV): Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
The call to declare God’s enduring mercy isn’t limited to individuals. It’s a corporate declaration, involving Israel, the priestly line of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord, which would include Gentiles who have come to know God. This emphasizes the universality of God’s love and the shared responsibility of believers to proclaim it. The repetition reinforces the magnitude of His mercy and the importance of this declaration.
Spiritual Application: Participate actively in your church community. Share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with others. Let your words and actions be a constant declaration of His enduring love.
Psalm 118:5 (KJV): I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Psalm 118:5 (NKJV): I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
Here, the psalmist recounts a personal experience of deliverance. In distress, he cried out to the Lord, and God answered, setting him in a “large place.” This “large place” symbolizes freedom, security, and abundance – a release from the constraints of his troubles. This echoes the story of the Exodus, where God led Israel from the narrow confines of slavery in Egypt to the “large place” of the Promised Land.
Spiritual Application: Remember that God hears your prayers in times of distress. Don’t hesitate to call upon Him. Trust that He will answer and lead you into a place of freedom and security.
Psalm 118:6-7 (KJV): The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
Psalm 118:6-7 (NKJV): The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
With God as his ally, the psalmist declares fearlessness. “What can man do unto me?” This isn’t arrogance, but a confident assurance rooted in the knowledge of God’s power and protection. He recognizes that God is not only with him, but actively takes his part. The phrase “see my desire on them that hate me” should be understood not as vindictiveness, but as witnessing the triumph of God’s justice and the vindication of the righteous.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a deep trust in God’s protection. Resist the temptation to fear, knowing that He is always on your side. Focus on living a righteous life, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice to bear.
Psalm 118:8-9 (KJV): It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9 (NKJV): It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man; It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.
This verse highlights the futility of placing ultimate reliance on human strength or authority. Both “man” and “princes” are fallible and limited. True security and hope are found only in God. This aligns with the teachings of the Church Fathers, who constantly warned against the allure of worldly power and the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual Application: Examine where you place your trust. Are you relying on your own abilities, the opinions of others, or worldly success? Shift your focus to trusting in God’s wisdom and provision.
Psalm 118:10-12 (KJV): All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
Psalm 118:10-12 (NKJV): All nations surrounded me, But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me; But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
The psalmist faces overwhelming opposition from all sides, yet he finds victory “in the name of the Lord.” This is not a literal call to violence, but a recognition that true victory comes through God’s power, not human might. The image of being surrounded “like bees” suggests a swarming, relentless attack. However, their power is ultimately fleeting, like “the fire of thorns” which burns quickly and disappears. The phrase “in the name of the Lord” signifies invoking His authority and power.
Spiritual Application: When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember to invoke the name of the Lord. Trust in His power to overcome any obstacle. Recognize that your strength comes from Him, not from your own abilities.
Psalm 118:13-14 (KJV): Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Psalm 118:13-14 (NKJV): You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song; He has become my salvation.
The psalmist acknowledges the enemy’s deliberate attempts to make him fall, but God’s help prevented his downfall. He recognizes God as both his “strength” (physical and spiritual power) and his “song” (source of joy and praise). Most importantly, God has become his “salvation,” highlighting the comprehensive nature of God’s deliverance. This echoes the experiences of the Old Testament saints like David, who faced numerous trials but always found refuge in God.
Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your vulnerability and the reality of spiritual attacks. Rely on God’s strength to withstand temptation and overcome adversity. Let your life be a song of praise to Him for His salvation.
Psalm 118:15-16 (KJV): The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Psalm 118:15-16 (NKJV): The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
These verses shift the focus from personal experience to the collective joy of the righteous. The “voice of rejoicing and salvation” fills the “tabernacles” (dwelling places) of those who live righteously. The “right hand of the Lord” symbolizes His power and authority, which is exalted and actively working for the good of His people. This links to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of the Theotokos, whose intercessions are seen as powerfully effective because of her righteousness.
Spiritual Application: Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and uplift you. Participate in corporate worship and celebrate God’s goodness together. Remember that God’s power is actively working in your life and in the lives of others.
Psalm 118:17-18 (KJV): I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
Psalm 118:17-18 (NKJV): I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.
The psalmist proclaims his continued life and purpose: to “declare the works of the Lord.” He acknowledges that he has been chastened, but not abandoned to death. This highlights the difference between God’s loving discipline and His ultimate rejection. Chastening is meant to correct and refine, while death, in this context, signifies separation from God. The deuterocanonical book of Wisdom (3:5) says, “And having been a little chastened, they shall be greatly rewarded; for God proved them, and found them worthy of himself.”
Spiritual Application: Embrace trials as opportunities for growth and refinement. Recognize that God’s discipline is an expression of His love. Focus on using your life to glorify Him and share His truth with others.
Psalm 118:19-20 (KJV): Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
Psalm 118:19-20 (NKJV): Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, Through which the righteous shall enter.
The psalmist requests access to “the gates of righteousness,” a symbolic entry into God’s presence and fellowship. This isn’t merely a physical entry, but a spiritual access granted to the righteous. He desires to enter with praise and thanksgiving. The second verse clarifies that this is “the gate of the Lord,” the only way through which the righteous can enter. This foreshadows Christ, who declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:9).
Spiritual Application: Seek to live a righteous life, so that you may have access to God’s presence. Approach Him with humility and praise, recognizing that He is the only way to salvation. Use resources like resource management tools to steward your time and efforts toward righteousness.
Psalm 118:21 (KJV): I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21 (NKJV): I will praise You, For You have heard me, And have become my salvation.
This verse reiterates the psalmist’s gratitude for God’s answered prayer and His role as his salvation. It’s a simple yet profound expression of thanksgiving and dependence. The focus is entirely on God’s action and the psalmist’s response of praise.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a habit of praising God for His answered prayers and His constant presence in your life. Acknowledge His role as your ultimate source of salvation.
Psalm 118:22-23 (KJV): The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV): The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is a pivotal Messianic prophecy. The “stone which the builders refused” is a clear reference to Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the Jewish leaders but became the “chief cornerstone” of the Church. This imagery speaks of Christ’s essential role in building the spiritual temple of God. St. Peter quotes this verse in Acts 4:11, applying it directly to Jesus. This symbolizes that what the world rejects, God chooses, and that what seems weak, God makes strong.
Spiritual Application: Recognize Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of your faith. Don’t be discouraged if you are rejected or misunderstood for following Him. Trust that God will ultimately vindicate you and use you for His glory.
Psalm 118:24 (KJV): This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 (NKJV): This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Every day is a gift from God, and we are called to rejoice and be glad in it. This isn’t a naive dismissal of difficulties, but a conscious choice to focus on God’s presence and provision, even in the midst of trials. It’s a reminder to be present and grateful for the blessings that God provides in each moment.
Spiritual Application: Begin each day with an attitude of gratitude and joy. Seek to see God’s hand at work in every situation. Choose to focus on the positive, knowing that God is in control.
Psalm 118:25-26 (KJV): Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psalm 118:25-26 (NKJV): Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
The phrase “Save now” (Hebrew: *Hoshiana*) is a plea for deliverance and salvation, which evolved into a shout of acclamation in the New Testament (Matthew 21:9). The request for “prosperity” is not solely material, but encompasses spiritual well-being and flourishing. The blessing on “he that cometh in the name of the Lord” is another Messianic reference, anticipating the arrival of Jesus. This verse was quoted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem, confirming His Messianic identity.
Spiritual Application: Pray for God’s salvation and prosperity (both material and spiritual) in your life and in the lives of others. Welcome Jesus Christ as the Messiah and acknowledge His Lordship in your life.
Psalm 118:27 (KJV): God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Psalm 118:27 (NKJV): God is the Lord, and He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
God is the source of “light,” both literally and metaphorically, illuminating our path and revealing His truth. The command to “bind the sacrifice with cords” refers to the Old Testament practice of offering sacrifices to God. However, in the New Testament, this points to Christ, the ultimate sacrifice bound for our salvation. This also symbolizes our own willingness to offer our lives as a “living sacrifice” to God (Romans 12:1).
Spiritual Application: Seek to know God as the source of light and truth. Offer your life as a living sacrifice to Him, surrendering your will to His. Follow Jesus Christ as your light and guide.
Psalm 118:28-29 (KJV): Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118:28-29 (NKJV): You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
The psalm concludes with a personal declaration of faith and a renewed call to thanksgiving. “Thou art my God” is a statement of intimate relationship and unwavering commitment. The repetition of “give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” emphasizes the foundational truth of God’s character and His enduring love. This cyclical return to the initial verse reinforces the overarching theme of the entire psalm.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience. Let your life be a constant expression of gratitude for His goodness and His enduring love.
Subtopic Sections ✨
Let’s reflect on some key teachings from Psalm 118 and their applications for modern life:
- Gratitude as a Foundation: Psalm 118 begins and ends with a call to give thanks. Cultivating a grateful heart is essential for spiritual well-being. Make a daily practice of listing things you are thankful for, no matter how small.
- Trusting God over Man: In a world obsessed with power and influence, Psalm 118 reminds us to place our trust in God alone. Resist the temptation to rely on human solutions and seek God’s guidance in all things.
- God’s Deliverance in Distress: The psalm highlights God’s faithfulness in answering prayers and delivering His people from distress. Remember that God hears your cries and is always ready to help.
- Christ as the Cornerstone: Psalm 118 contains a powerful Messianic prophecy about Christ as the rejected cornerstone. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the foundation of your faith and the source of your salvation.
- Rejoicing in Every Day: Each day is a gift from God, and we are called to rejoice and be glad in it. Choose to focus on God’s presence and provision, even in the midst of trials.
- Proclaiming God’s Works: The psalmist declares his intention to “declare the works of the Lord.” Seek opportunities to share your testimony and tell others about God’s goodness and faithfulness.
FAQ ❓
Let’s address some common questions about Psalm 118:
- Q: What is the historical context of Psalm 118?
A: Psalm 118 was likely sung during Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrations commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel. It served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and a call to thanksgiving.
- Q: How does Psalm 118 relate to Jesus Christ?
A: Psalm 118 contains several Messianic prophecies, most notably the image of the “stone which the builders refused,” which refers to Jesus Christ. The psalm was quoted during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, confirming His Messianic identity.
- Q: What is the significance of the phrase “His steadfast love endures forever”?
A: This refrain, repeated throughout the psalm, emphasizes the unwavering and unconditional nature of God’s love. It’s a reminder that God’s love is not based on our merit but on His own character and covenant faithfulness.
- Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 118 to my daily life?
A: By cultivating gratitude, trusting in God over man, seeking His guidance in all things, and rejoicing in every day. Remember that God is always with you, and His love endures forever.
Conclusion ✨
Psalm 118 is a timeless hymn of thanksgiving that resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Its enduring message of God’s steadfast love, deliverance, and faithfulness continues to inspire believers today. By understanding its historical context, exploring its Messianic prophecies, and applying its teachings to our daily lives, we can grow in our relationship with God and experience the fullness of His blessings. The cornerstone imagery, the opened gates, and the enduring refrain remind us of God’s constant presence and salvation offered through Christ, our ultimate Deliverer. We must remember that understanding and appreciating the steadfast love of God is key to spiritual growth. Through it, we become more Christ-like in our actions, words, and thoughts.