◄ Psalm 118 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The LORD Is on My Side 1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. 2Let Israela say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 3Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 5In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. 6The LORD is on my side;b I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?c 7The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. 15Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor! 16The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!” 17I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. 18The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation. 22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.d 23This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.e 24This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25O LORD, save us, we pray.f We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! 26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.g From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.h 28You are my God, and I will give You thanks. You are my God, and I will exalt You. 29Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Footnotes: 2 a LXX the house of Israel 6 b Or The LORD is with me; also in verse 7; LXX The Lord is my helper 6 c Cited in Hebrews 13:6 22 d Hebrew the head of the corner; cited in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:7 23 e Cited in Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:11 25 f Hebrew hosia-na, meaning save, we pray or save now; see Matthew 21:9, Matthew 21:15, Mark 11:9, and John 12:13. 26 g Cited in Matthew 21:9, Matthew 23:39, Mark 11:9, Luke 13:35, Luke 19:38, and John 12:13 27 h Or Join in the festal procession with boughs in hand, up to the horns of the altar. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 118 Summary The LORD Is on My Side Verses 1–4 – Unending Love Celebrated All Israel—people, priests, and every God-fearing heart—is summoned to praise because “His loving devotion endures forever.” The chorus repeats four times to make sure no one forgets that God’s love never quits. Verses 5–9 – Refuge in the LORD From a tight corner the psalmist cries out, finds spacious freedom, and discovers that trusting the LORD beats leaning on people or politicians every time. Verses 10–14 – Victory Over Surrounding Nations Enemies close in like a buzzing swarm, but three swift repetitions—“in the name of the LORD I cut them off”—show who really wins. God becomes strength, song, and salvation. Verses 15–18 – Life Preserved to Praise Joy breaks out in the tents of the righteous because God’s right hand has done mighty things. The singer, severely disciplined but not destroyed, vows to live on and tell the story. Verses 19–21 – The Gates of Righteousness Open A request to enter the sacred gates turns into a personal thank-you. The LORD answered, so the worshiper walks right in. Verses 22–24 – The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone What builders tossed aside God turned into the most important stone of all. It is “marvelous,” and today—right now—is the day to celebrate it. Verses 25–27 – Save Us and Bring Success! “Hoshiana!”—“O LORD, save us!”—erupts, followed by a blessing on “He who comes in the name of the LORD.” Light shines, sacrifices are bound to the altar, and hope rises. Verses 28–29 – Final Hallelujah The psalm circles back to the opening note: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Psalm 118, a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, is deeply imbued with themes of unwavering faith, profound gratitude, and divine mercy. The Psalmist's narrative, shaped by an enduring belief in God's eternal love and benevolence, provides timeless wisdom applicable to the trials and tribulations of modern life. Authorship and Setting • The psalm is anonymous in the Hebrew text, yet early Jewish tradition linked it to King David’s restoration after conflict (compare 2 Samuel 22). • Others hear post-exile voices—fresh from Babylon—celebrating the rebuilt temple (Ezra 6:16). Both settings match the mood: rescued people standing in God’s house, singing as one. Place in Worship • Psalm 118 caps the “Hallel” collection (Psalm 113-118) sung at Passover. Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26 record Jesus and the disciples singing a hymn after the Last Supper; this psalm would have been on their lips. • Jewish pilgrims also chanted it during the Feast of Tabernacles while marching with palm branches—an echo heard in John 12:13. Key Themes and Structure 1. Enduring love (vv. 1–4, 29) 2. Personal deliverance (vv. 5–18) 3. Corporate, public worship (vv. 19–21) 4. Messianic victory (vv. 22–27) 5. Return to praise (vv. 28–29) Covenant Love—‘Chesed’ The Hebrew word behind “loving devotion” is chesed. It means steadfast, promise-keeping love. Exodus 34:6 first strings together “compassionate, gracious… abounding in loving devotion.” Psalm 136 repeats the phrase 26 times. The psalmist hangs every hope on this unbreakable love. Historical and Archaeological Notes • Gates of righteousness (v. 19). At Herod’s Temple, choir processions entered through the Huldah Gates on the south and climbed a wide staircase. Stone remains show double and triple arches still visible today. • “Bind the festal sacrifice… to the horns of the altar” (v. 27). Excavations around the Temple Mount locate massive ash dumps and stone horns where sacrifices were secured. • Cornerstone imagery (v. 22). Ancient quarries outside Jerusalem preserved oversized stones left behind because builders deemed them flawed, a vivid picture for the rejected stone now exalted. The Stone the Builders Rejected Quoted or alluded to in: • Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17 – Jesus applies it to Himself after the parable of the vineyard. • Acts 4:11 – Peter tells the Sanhedrin, “This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected.’” • 1 Peter 2:4-7 – Believers become living stones, anchored to the Cornerstone. The leap from a temple stone to the Messiah shows how God flips human judgments. ‘Hosanna!’ – The Cry of Verse 25 Hebrew “Hoshiana” became Greek “Hosanna,” shouted by the crowd when Jesus rode into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9; John 12:13). The plea for salvation turned into a praise word because salvation arrived on a donkey. Refuge Over Royalty (vv. 8-9) • Better than man: 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 (Hezekiah encourages Judah). • Better than princes: Psalm 146:3-5; Isaiah 31:1. Trust shifts off fragile human power and onto the unshakable LORD. Discipline That Does Not Destroy (v. 18) Compare Proverbs 3:11-12 and Hebrews 12:5-6. God’s severe mercies correct but always aim at life, never pointless pain. The Day the LORD Has Made (v. 24) • Immediate sense: a day of victory after siege. • Prophetic sense: Resurrection morning (Acts 2:24-32). • Practical sense: every sunrise under God’s rule is reason to rejoice. Personal Application Today • Rehearse chesed. Start and end your day echoing verse 1. • Exchange fear for freedom (vv. 5-6). When pinned down by pressure, speak the truth out loud. • Pray “Hosanna” for loved ones who need rescue. • Celebrate small deliverances—parking spaces, healed relationships, cleared medical scans—as previews of the ultimate victory in Christ. “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. This verse parallels Psalm 118:14, reinforcing the theme of God as our deliverer. Isaiah 28:16 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. This prophecy connects with Psalm 118:22 and points to Christ. Matthew 21:42 Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, affirming His role as the cornerstone rejected by the builders. Teaching Points God's Enduring Love The psalm begins and ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever (Psalm 118:1, 29). This repetition underscores the central theme of God's unchanging love. Trust in the Lord Verses 8-9 highlight the importance of placing our trust in God rather than in man or princes: It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. The Lord as Our Strength and Salvation Verse 14 declares, The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. This verse echoes the song of Moses in Exodus 15:2, emphasizing God's role as our deliverer. The Stone the Builders Rejected Verse 22, The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, is a prophetic reference to Christ, who was rejected by men but chosen by God as the foundation of our faith. Rejoicing in the Day of the Lord Verse 24 reminds us to rejoice in each day as a gift from God, encouraging a heart of gratitude and joy. Practical Applications Cultivate Gratitude Begin each day by thanking God for His enduring love and faithfulness, recognizing His hand in your life. Trust God Over Human Wisdom In times of uncertainty, choose to place your trust in God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human understanding. Embrace Christ as the Cornerstone Reflect on how Jesus, the rejected stone, is the foundation of your life and faith. Consider areas where you need to align more closely with His teachings. Rejoice Daily Make a conscious effort to rejoice in each day, acknowledging it as a creation of the Lord and an opportunity to experience His goodness. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Psalm 118, the LORD is praised for His enduring love and faithfulness. The psalmist repeatedly calls on the name of the LORD, emphasizing His role as the deliverer and protector. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God in the Old Testament. 2. The Psalmist (Traditionally King David) While not explicitly named in the text, the psalm is traditionally attributed to King David. The psalmist speaks in the first person, recounting personal experiences of distress and deliverance, and expressing gratitude to the LORD. 3. The Nations The psalmist refers to "all the nations" surrounding him (verse 10). These are the adversaries or enemies that the psalmist faces, representing opposition to God's people. The Hebrew term used is "goyim," which generally refers to non-Israelite peoples. 4. The House of Israel The psalm calls upon the "house of Israel" to declare the LORD's enduring love (verse 2). This refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. 5. The House of Aaron The psalm also addresses the "house of Aaron" (verse 3), referring to the priestly lineage within Israel. Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest, and his descendants served as priests in the temple. 6. Those Who Fear the LORD The psalm includes a call to "those who fear the LORD" (verse 4) to proclaim His steadfast love. This group includes all who revere and worship God, extending beyond ethnic Israel to encompass all faithful believers. Places 1. Gates of Righteousness Reference: Psalm 118:19 Description: The "Gates of Righteousness" symbolize the entryway into a state of righteousness or the presence of God. In Hebrew, the word for gates is "שַׁעֲרֵי" (sha'arei), which often signifies a place of entry or access, particularly in a spiritual or communal sense. 2. The House of the LORD Reference: Psalm 118:26 Description: This refers to the temple or the dwelling place of God. In Hebrew, "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit Yahweh) is used, indicating a sacred space where worship and divine presence are central. Events 1. Call to Give Thanks The psalm begins with a call to give thanks to the LORD: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 118:1). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which conveys steadfast love and mercy. 2. Invitation to Israel and Others The psalmist invites Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD to declare His enduring love: "Let Israel say, 'His loving devotion endures forever'" (Psalm 118:2-4). 3. Personal Testimony of Deliverance The psalmist shares a personal testimony of distress and deliverance: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free" (Psalm 118:5). The Hebrew root for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), meaning trouble or affliction. 4. Confidence in the LORD The psalmist expresses confidence in the LORD's protection: "The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). 5. Trust in the LORD Over Man A declaration of trust in the LORD over human leaders: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8-9). 6. Victory Over Enemies The psalmist recounts victory over surrounding nations: "All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off" (Psalm 118:10). 7. The LORD as Strength and Salvation Acknowledgment of the LORD as strength and salvation: "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" (Psalm 118:14). The Hebrew word for "salvation" is "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah). 8. Joyful Shouts of Salvation The psalmist describes the joyful shouts of salvation in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!" (Psalm 118:15-16). 9. Declaration of Life and Praise A declaration of life and the intent to praise the LORD: "I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done" (Psalm 118:17). 10. Acknowledgment of Discipline Recognition of the LORD's discipline: "The LORD has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death" (Psalm 118:18). 11. Entrance Through the Gates of Righteousness The psalmist seeks to enter the gates of righteousness to give thanks: "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD" (Psalm 118:19). 12. The Stone the Builders Rejected The famous messianic prophecy: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22). The Hebrew word for "cornerstone" is "רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה" (rosh pinnah). 13. The LORD's Doing Recognition of the LORD's marvelous work: "This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psalm 118:23). 14. Day of Rejoicing A call to rejoice in the day the LORD has made: "This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). 15. Cry for Salvation and Success A plea for salvation and success: "O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!" (Psalm 118:25). 16. Blessing in the Name of the LORD A blessing pronounced in the name of the LORD: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 118:26). 17. The LORD as God and Light Acknowledgment of the LORD as God and light: "The LORD is God; He has made His light shine upon us" (Psalm 118:27). 18. Thanksgiving and Praise The psalm concludes with thanksgiving and praise: "You are my God, and I will give You thanks. You are my God, and I will exalt You" (Psalm 118:28). 19. Final Call to Give Thanks The psalm ends as it began, with a call to give thanks: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 118:29). Lessons from Psalm 118 1. The Enduring Love of the Lord Psalm 118 opens with a powerful reminder: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 118:1). This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing that God's love is not fleeting or conditional. It's a love that stands the test of time, offering us a foundation of security and hope. In a world where love can often feel temporary, this assurance is a comforting reminder of God's unwavering commitment to us. 2. The Lord is Our Strength and Song In times of trouble, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Yet, Psalm 118:14 declares, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation." This verse encourages us to lean on God as our source of strength. When we feel weak, He is our power. When we are lost for words, He is our song. This dual role of God as both strength and melody in our lives can transform our perspective, turning despair into praise. 3. Trust in the Lord Over Man The psalmist wisely advises, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8). Human beings, no matter how well-intentioned, are fallible. Placing our ultimate trust in people can lead to disappointment. Instead, we are encouraged to seek refuge in God, whose wisdom and faithfulness are unmatched. This lesson teaches us to prioritize divine guidance over human opinion. 4. The Lord is Our Helper Psalm 118:7 reassures us, "The LORD is on my side; He is my helper." In moments of need, knowing that God is actively working on our behalf is a profound comfort. This verse reminds us that we are never alone in our struggles. With God as our helper, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that His support is unwavering and His presence is constant. 5. The Stone the Builders Rejected A prophetic insight is found in Psalm 118:22: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who, though rejected by many, became the foundation of our faith. It serves as a reminder that God's plans often defy human expectations, and what may seem insignificant to the world can hold eternal significance in God's kingdom. 6. Rejoice in the Day the Lord Has Made "This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Each day is a gift from God, filled with opportunities to experience His grace and love. This verse encourages us to approach each day with gratitude and joy, recognizing that every moment is crafted by the Creator. By embracing this mindset, we can transform ordinary days into extraordinary experiences of worship and thanksgiving. 7. The Lord's Right Hand is Mighty The psalmist proclaims, "The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly" (Psalm 118:16). This imagery of God's right hand symbolizes His power and authority. It reassures us that God's might is actively at work in our lives, capable of overcoming any obstacle. By acknowledging His strength, we can face life's battles with courage and assurance. 8. The Lord is Our Salvation Psalm 118:21 states, "I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation." This verse highlights the personal relationship we can have with God, who not only hears our prayers but also becomes our salvation. It is a reminder that salvation is not just a distant promise but a present reality, accessible to all who call upon the Lord. 9. Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving The psalmist invites us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 118:19). This call to worship emphasizes the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. By approaching Him with a thankful heart, we open ourselves to experiencing His presence more fully. Thanksgiving becomes the key that unlocks the door to deeper communion with our Creator. 10. The Lord's Light Shines Upon Us Finally, Psalm 118:27 declares, "The LORD is God and has made His light shine upon us." This verse captures the essence of God's revelation and guidance. His light dispels darkness, bringing clarity and direction to our lives. As we walk in His light, we are called to reflect it to others, becoming beacons of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs both. Topics 1. Thanksgiving for God's Enduring Love The psalm opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring love. The Hebrew word for love here is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which conveys steadfast love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. ^"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever."^ (Psalm 118:1) 2. The Call for Israel to Trust in the Lord The psalmist urges Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to trust in His enduring love and faithfulness. ^"Let Israel say, 'His loving devotion endures forever.'"^ (Psalm 118:2) 3. Personal Testimony of Deliverance The psalmist shares a personal testimony of being in distress and calling upon the Lord, who answered and set him free. The Hebrew root "יָשַׁע" (yasha) is often associated with salvation and deliverance. ^"In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free."^ (Psalm 118:5) 4. Confidence in God's Protection The psalmist expresses confidence in God's protection, emphasizing that it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans or princes. ^"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man."^ (Psalm 118:8) 5. Victory Over Enemies The psalmist recounts being surrounded by nations but overcoming them in the name of the Lord. The repetition of "in the name of the LORD" underscores the divine power and authority. ^"All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off."^ (Psalm 118:10) 6. The Lord as Strength and Salvation The psalmist declares the Lord as his strength and salvation, a theme that resonates with the Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), meaning salvation or deliverance. ^"The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation."^ (Psalm 118:14) 7. The Rejoicing of the Righteous The psalm describes the joyful shouts of victory in the tents of the righteous, celebrating the Lord's mighty deeds. ^"Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!'"^ (Psalm 118:15) 8. The Stone the Builders Rejected A prophetic reference to the Messiah, this verse speaks of the stone rejected by builders becoming the cornerstone, a theme echoed in the New Testament. ^"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."^ (Psalm 118:22) 9. The Day the Lord Has Made The psalmist calls for rejoicing and gladness in the day the Lord has made, emphasizing divine sovereignty and providence. ^"This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."^ (Psalm 118:24) 10. Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord A messianic proclamation, this verse is often associated with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. ^"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you."^ (Psalm 118:26) 11. Thanksgiving and Praise to God The psalm concludes with a reiteration of thanksgiving and praise to God for His goodness and enduring love. ^"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever."^ (Psalm 118:29) Themes 1. Thanksgiving and Praise Psalm 118 begins and ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 118:1, 29). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "chesed," which conveys God's steadfast love and mercy. 2. God's Enduring Love The psalm emphasizes the enduring nature of God's love: "His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 118:2-4). This theme is repeated multiple times, underscoring the eternal and unchanging nature of God's covenant love. 3. Trust in the Lord The psalmist expresses confidence in God's protection: "The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). The Hebrew root "batach" for "trust" implies a sense of security and reliance on God. 4. God as a Refuge The psalm highlights God as a refuge and strength: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8). The Hebrew word "chasah" for "refuge" suggests seeking shelter and safety in God. 5. Victory Over Enemies The psalmist recounts deliverance from adversaries: "All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off" (Psalm 118:10). The theme of victory through God's power is central to the psalm. 6. The Lord's Discipline and Salvation The psalm acknowledges God's discipline and salvation: "The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death" (Psalm 118:18). The Hebrew word "yasar" for "discipline" indicates correction and instruction. 7. The Stone the Builders Rejected A prophetic theme emerges with the reference to the cornerstone: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22). This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to Christ. 8. Rejoicing in the Day the Lord Has Made The psalm calls for rejoicing in God's works: "This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). The theme of joy and celebration in God's creation and providence is evident. 9. Petition for Salvation and Success The psalmist petitions God for salvation and success: "O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!" (Psalm 118:25). The Hebrew word "hoshia" for "save" is a plea for deliverance. 10. Blessing in the Name of the Lord The psalm concludes with a blessing: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 118:26). This theme of blessing highlights the favor and grace bestowed upon those who seek God. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Love Pray for a heart that continually gives thanks for God's enduring love and faithfulness. Trust in God's Guidance Ask for the strength to trust in God's plans and purposes, especially in challenging times. Alignment with Christ Pray for the grace to align your life with Christ, the cornerstone, and to build your life upon His teachings. Joy in Each Day Seek the Holy Spirit's help to rejoice in each day, recognizing it as a gift from God and an opportunity to serve Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Psalm 118:10–12) How credible is the claim that a single individual or nation was surrounded by so many enemies yet prevailed without clear historical or archaeological evidence? 2. (Psalm 118:17) Does the assertion “I shall not die, but live” contradict mortality or promise an unrealistic divine protection? 3. (Psalm 118:22) Is the metaphor of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone historically verifiable, or is it merely figurative with no real-world basis? 4. (Psalm 118:26) Can “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” be reconciled with other Old Testament texts or is it a later theological addition? 5. (Psalm 118) In light of archaeological and textual studies, can we confirm its authorship or era of composition, or does uncertainty undermine its reliability? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the theme of God's enduring love resonate with your personal experiences? 2. Discuss a time when you felt surrounded by challenges. How does the Psalmist's reaction inspire you? 3. What does the phrase "The Lord is my strength and song" mean to you? 4. How do the concepts of divine discipline and mercy appear in your life? 5. In what ways can you personally relate to the metaphor of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone? 6. How can the principles of Psalm 118 be applied to modern society's struggles? 7. How does Psalm 118 influence your perspective on depending on God versus humans? 8. Discuss the concept of "gates of righteousness." What do they symbolize for you? 9. How might the expressions of victory and thanksgiving in Psalm 118 be practiced in your daily life? 10. How do you interpret the plea for salvation and success in your contemporary context? 11. How can the lessons from Psalm 118 be used to handle conflicts and adversities in present-day living? 12. How can you incorporate gratitude, as emphasized in Psalm 118, in your everyday routine? 13. What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's protection, as the Psalmist does? 14. In what ways does Psalm 118 inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith? 15. How does the Psalmist's celebration of victory over enemies resonate with your personal or societal experiences? 16. How do you perceive the concept of divine mercy presented in Psalm 118? 17. What are some practical ways to enact the call for salvation and success in our modern world? 18. How might the notion of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone be interpreted in today's sociopolitical context? 19. How can the Psalmist's unwavering belief in God's love be mirrored in your life? 20. How does Psalm 118 influence your understanding of God's role in your life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions