Psalms 118 Study Notes: The Rejected Stone Made Cornerstone
This festive song gives thanks for the LORD's enduring love, voiced by one whom enemies had surrounded and God had rescued. At the LORD's gate it celebrates a rejected stone made the cornerstone, words Jesus applied to Himself, and it closes with blessing, sacrifice, and renewed thanks.
General
On what occasion in Matthew's Gospel do the crowds shout the blessing of 118:26?
Answer: When Jesus rides into Jerusalem before His death
Near the end of the psalm, the worshipers ask the LORD to save and prosper them and pronounce a blessing on the one who arrives in the LORD's name (118:25-26). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem shortly before His death, the crowds in front of Him and behind Him shouted this very blessing and hailed Him as David's Son (Matthew 21:9). John adds that they hailed Him as Israel's King (John 12:13). Later, grieving over Jerusalem's unwillingness to receive Him, Jesus told the city it would not see Him again until it said these same words of blessing (Matthew 23:39).
- Psalm 118:25-26 (BSB)“O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.”The worshipers ask the LORD to save and prosper them and bless the one who comes in His name.
- Matthew 21:9 (BSB)“The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!””The crowds shout the psalm's blessing as Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
- John 12:13 (BSB)“They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!””John records the same shout, adding that the crowds hailed Jesus as the King of Israel.
- Matthew 23:39 (BSB)“For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’””Jesus tells Jerusalem it will not see Him again until it speaks this blessing.
Theological
At what point in Matthew do the crowds acclaim Jesus with the words of 118:26?
Answer: When Jesus rides into Jerusalem before His death
The closing petitions of Psalm 118 ask the LORD to save and grant success, then pronounce a blessing on the one who comes in His name (118:25-26). At Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the crowds take up the blessing and hail Him as David's Son (Matthew 21:9), and John records their acclamation of Him as King of Israel (John 12:13). Jesus Himself uses the verse in His lament over Jerusalem, telling the city it will not see Him again until it says these words (Matthew 23:39). The psalm's coming one is thus the royal Messiah whom Jerusalem both acclaimed and rejected.
- Psalm 118:25-26 (BSB)“O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.”The worshipers ask the LORD to save and prosper them and bless the one who comes in His name.
- Matthew 21:9 (BSB)“The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!””The crowds shout the psalm's blessing as Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
- John 12:13 (BSB)“They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!””John records the same shout, adding that the crowds hailed Jesus as the King of Israel.
- Matthew 23:39 (BSB)“For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’””Jesus tells Jerusalem it will not see Him again until it speaks this blessing.
General
In 118:23-24, what do the worshipers say about the stone's reversal and about the day?
Answer: They call the reversal the LORD's wonder and vow to rejoice in His day
The worshipers say the stone's exaltation was the LORD's own doing, a wonder in their eyes (118:23). Then they call the day one of the LORD's making and resolve to celebrate it with joy and gladness (118:24). They give no credit to the builders; the reversal and the day both belong to God, and the response is joy. Many readers tie the day closely to the stone's exaltation just described, while others take it as the festival day on which the psalm was sung; either way, the day is the LORD's and the fitting response is gladness. Psalm 126 shows the same joy over another of God's works: the people restored to Zion are full of gladness at the great things the LORD did for them (Psalm 126:3). Jesus applies the marvel of the stone to Himself (Matthew 21:42), and so many Christians have seen this day fulfilled in Jesus' resurrection and exaltation, when God made the crucified Jesus Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36).
- Psalm 118:23-24 (BSB)“This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”The exaltation of the rejected stone is the LORD's doing, and the day of it is a day for rejoicing.
- Psalm 126:3 (BSB)“The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”The returning captives celebrate the great things the LORD has done for them.
- Matthew 21:42 (BSB)“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”Jesus quotes the marvel of the stone's exaltation as the LORD's doing.
- Acts 2:36 (BSB)“Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!””Peter declares that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.
Theological
What response to the rejected stone's exaltation and to the day do 118:23-24 record?
Answer: They call the reversal the LORD's wonder and vow to rejoice in His day
The worshipers ascribe the cornerstone's exaltation to the LORD as a marvel before their eyes (118:23) and then name the day as the LORD's making, resolving to celebrate it with joy and gladness (118:24). The builders receive no credit: both the reversal and the day are God's work, and the fitting response is joy. Interpreters differ on whether the day is specifically the day of the stone's exaltation or the festival day of the psalm's worship; on either reading it is a day God has made and His people rejoice in it. Psalm 126:3 voices the same joy over the LORD's great deeds. Jesus applies the marvel to His own rejection and vindication (Matthew 21:42), and many Christians have accordingly seen the day fulfilled in His resurrection and exaltation, which Peter proclaims at Pentecost: God has made the crucified Jesus Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36).
- Psalm 118:23-24 (BSB)“This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”The exaltation of the rejected stone is the LORD's doing, and the day of it is a day for rejoicing.
- Psalm 126:3 (BSB)“The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”The returning captives celebrate the great things the LORD has done for them.
- Matthew 21:42 (BSB)“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”Jesus quotes the marvel of the stone's exaltation as the LORD's doing.
- Acts 2:36 (BSB)“Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!””Peter declares that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.
General
True or False: The psalmist says the LORD's severe discipline was meant to hand him over to death (118:17-18).
Answer: False
This is false. The psalmist admits the LORD disciplined him severely, but says God did not give him over to death (118:18). Instead he will live and tell others about the LORD's works (118:17). God's discipline of His people is the correction of a loving Father, not an attempt to destroy them. Proverbs says the LORD corrects those He loves, the way a father corrects a son who is his delight (Proverbs 3:11-12), and Hebrews repeats this (Hebrews 12:6), adding that God disciplines His children for their good, so that they share His holiness and gain righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:10-11).
- Psalm 118:17-18 (BSB)“I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.”The psalmist says the LORD disciplined him severely but did not hand him over to death, so he will live and declare God's works.
- Hebrews 12:6 (BSB)“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.””Hebrews teaches that the Lord disciplines those He loves as His sons.
- Hebrews 12:10-11 (BSB)“Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.”God's discipline is for His children's good, producing righteousness and peace.
- Proverbs 3:11-12 (BSB)“My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.”The LORD disciplines the one He loves, as a father does a son he delights in.
Theological
True or False: According to 118:17-18, the LORD's severe chastening was aimed at the psalmist's death.
Answer: False
This is false. The chastening was severe, yet the LORD did not give the psalmist over to death (118:18), and he resolves to live and declare the LORD's works (118:17). Discipline is fatherly, not destructive: the LORD reproves those He loves as a father his beloved son (Proverbs 3:11-12), a text Hebrews applies to every believer (Hebrews 12:6) while adding that God disciplines for His children's good, that they may share His holiness and reap righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:10-11). God's chastening is itself a sign that He treats them as His own children.
- Psalm 118:17-18 (BSB)“I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.”The psalmist says the LORD disciplined him severely but did not hand him over to death, so he will live and declare God's works.
- Hebrews 12:6 (BSB)“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.””Hebrews teaches that the Lord disciplines those He loves as His sons.
- Hebrews 12:10-11 (BSB)“Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.”God's discipline is for His children's good, producing righteousness and peace.
- Proverbs 3:11-12 (BSB)“My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.”The LORD disciplines the one He loves, as a father does a son he delights in.
General
According to 118:19-20, who may go in through the LORD's gate?
Answer: The righteous
The psalmist asks for the righteous gates to be opened so that he can go in and give thanks, and he explains that this is the LORD's gate, which the righteous will enter (118:19-20). He then gives thanks because God answered him and became his salvation (118:21). The same question of who may enter God's presence is asked in Psalm 24, where the answer is the one whose hands and heart are clean (Psalm 24:3-4), and Isaiah calls for the gates to open for a righteous, faithful nation (Isaiah 26:2). Many Christians have also seen in these gates a picture of Jesus, who later calls Himself the gate through whom anyone who enters will be saved (John 10:9).
- Psalm 118:19-21 (BSB)“Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation.”The psalmist asks for the gates to be opened so he can enter and thank the LORD, the gate the righteous enter.
- Psalm 24:3-4 (BSB)“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.”David asks who may ascend the LORD's hill and answers with clean hands and a pure heart.
- Isaiah 26:2 (BSB)“Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.”Isaiah calls for the gates to open so a righteous, faithful nation may enter.
- John 10:9 (BSB)“I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.”Jesus calls Himself the gate through which anyone who enters will be saved.
Theological
In 118:19-20, who is said to enter the LORD's gate?
Answer: The righteous
The psalmist seeks entry through the righteous gates to give thanks, and the gate is identified as the LORD's, through which the righteous enter (118:19-20); his thanksgiving follows because God has answered him and become his salvation (118:21). Psalm 24:3-4 and Isaiah 26:2 likewise tie entry into God's presence to righteousness. Many Christians have heard an echo of these gates in Jesus' identification of Himself as the gate through whom those who enter are saved (John 10:9).
- Psalm 118:19-21 (BSB)“Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation.”The psalmist asks for the gates to be opened so he can enter and thank the LORD, the gate the righteous enter.
- Psalm 24:3-4 (BSB)“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.”David asks who may ascend the LORD's hill and answers with clean hands and a pure heart.
- Isaiah 26:2 (BSB)“Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.”Isaiah calls for the gates to open so a righteous, faithful nation may enter.
- John 10:9 (BSB)“I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.”Jesus calls Himself the gate through which anyone who enters will be saved.
General
True or False: Psalm 118 ends by repeating the same call to give thanks with which it began (118:1, 29).
Answer: True
This is true. The final verse repeats the first word for word: give thanks because He is good and His loving devotion lasts forever (118:1, 29). This frames the whole psalm in thanksgiving. Just before it, the psalmist confesses the LORD as God who has shone His light on His people, calls for the festival sacrifice to be tied to the altar's horns, and vows personal praise (118:27-28). The shining light echoes the priestly blessing asking the LORD to make His face shine on His people (Numbers 6:25), and Paul says God has shone into believers' hearts so they see His glory in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Psalm 107 begins with the same call to thanks (Psalm 107:1).
- Psalm 118:27-29 (BSB)“The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give You thanks. You are my God, and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”The psalm confesses the LORD as the God who gives light, calls for the festal sacrifice, and returns to its opening call to thanks.
- Numbers 6:25 (BSB)“may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;”The priestly blessing asks the LORD to make His face shine on His people.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 (BSB)“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”Paul says God has made His light shine in believers' hearts in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Psalm 107:1 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”Psalm 107 opens with the same call to thanks and the same reason.
Theological
True or False: The closing verse of Psalm 118 repeats its opening summons to thanksgiving (118:1, 29).
Answer: True
This is true. Verse 29 reproduces verse 1 exactly, enclosing the psalm in thanksgiving for the LORD's goodness and everlasting loving devotion (118:1, 29). Before that frame closes, the psalmist confesses the LORD as the God who has given His people light, summons the festal sacrifice to the altar, and pledges personal praise (118:27-28). The light recalls the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:25 and Paul speaks of God's light shining in believers' hearts with the knowledge of His glory in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Psalm 107:1 opens with the identical summons.
- Psalm 118:27-29 (BSB)“The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give You thanks. You are my God, and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”The psalm confesses the LORD as the God who gives light, calls for the festal sacrifice, and returns to its opening call to thanks.
- Numbers 6:25 (BSB)“may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;”The priestly blessing asks the LORD to make His face shine on His people.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 (BSB)“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”Paul says God has made His light shine in believers' hearts in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Psalm 107:1 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”Psalm 107 opens with the same call to thanks and the same reason.
General
Hebrews 13:6 quotes the psalmist's confidence from 118:6-7. What does Hebrews connect it to?
Answer: God's promise that He will never leave or forsake His people
In his distress the psalmist cried out, and the LORD answered and set him free (118:5). So he says the LORD is with him, his helper, and therefore no human being can make him fear (118:6-7). Hebrews tells believers to be content rather than greedy for money because God has promised never to leave or forsake them, and then says that with confidence we can speak the psalmist's words as our own (Hebrews 13:5-6). Paul makes the same point: with God on our side, no one can stand against us (Romans 8:31). David asks the same question in Psalm 56:11.
- Psalm 118:5-7 (BSB)“In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.”Answered in his distress, the psalmist declares that with the LORD on his side he need not fear people.
- Hebrews 13:5-6 (BSB)“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Hebrews quotes this psalm to ground believers' contentment and courage in God's promise never to leave them.
- Romans 8:31 (BSB)“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”Paul asks who can stand against believers when God is for them.
- Psalm 56:11 (BSB)“in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”David asks the same question of what mere people can do to one who trusts God.
Theological
In Hebrews 13:5-6, what divine promise grounds the confident use of 118:6-7?
Answer: God's promise that He will never leave or forsake His people
Answered and set free in his distress (118:5), the psalmist reasons from God's presence to fearlessness: the LORD stands with him as his helper, so no human threat is ultimate (118:6-7). Hebrews applies this to the whole church. Because God has pledged never to leave or forsake His people, believers may be content and speak the psalmist's confession with confidence (Hebrews 13:5-6). The logic is the same as Paul's in Romans 8:31, that with God on our side none can prevail against us, and it echoes David's trust in Psalm 56:11.
- Psalm 118:5-7 (BSB)“In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.”Answered in his distress, the psalmist declares that with the LORD on his side he need not fear people.
- Hebrews 13:5-6 (BSB)“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Hebrews quotes this psalm to ground believers' contentment and courage in God's promise never to leave them.
- Romans 8:31 (BSB)“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”Paul asks who can stand against believers when God is for them.
- Psalm 56:11 (BSB)“in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”David asks the same question of what mere people can do to one who trusts God.
General
When the nations surrounded the psalmist like bees, by what means does he say he cut them off (118:10-13)?
Answer: By the LORD's name and the LORD's help
The psalmist describes being hemmed in by hostile nations on every side, swarming around him like bees, yet they burned out as quickly as a fire in thorns (118:10-12). Three times he says he cut them off by the LORD's name, that is, by relying on the LORD Himself and His power. Shoved until he was about to fall, he was held up by the LORD's help (118:13). David faced Goliath the same way, trusting not in sword and spear but in the LORD's name (1 Samuel 17:45). Others rely on chariots and horses, but God's people trust His name (Psalm 20:7), which is a safe fortress for the righteous (Proverbs 18:10).
- Psalm 118:10-13 (BSB)“All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me.”Surrounded by hostile nations and pushed nearly to falling, the psalmist prevails through the LORD's name and help.
- 1 Samuel 17:45 (BSB)“But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”David faces Goliath trusting not in sword and spear but in the name of the LORD of Hosts.
- Psalm 20:7 (BSB)“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”Some trust in chariots and horses, but God's people trust in His name.
- Proverbs 18:10 (BSB)“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”The name of the LORD is a strong tower where the righteous are safe.
Theological
In 118:10-13, by what means does the psalmist say he overcame the surrounding nations?
Answer: By the LORD's name and the LORD's help
The threat is overwhelming, nations encircling him and swarming like bees, yet quickly extinguished like a thorn fire (118:10-12). The thrice-repeated refrain credits the victory to the LORD's name, that is, to the LORD Himself as revealed and invoked, and 118:13 adds that when he was nearly thrust down the LORD helped him. The pattern is that of David before Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45), the confession that God's people trust His name rather than chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7), and the proverb of the name as a fortress (Proverbs 18:10).
- Psalm 118:10-13 (BSB)“All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me.”Surrounded by hostile nations and pushed nearly to falling, the psalmist prevails through the LORD's name and help.
- 1 Samuel 17:45 (BSB)“But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”David faces Goliath trusting not in sword and spear but in the name of the LORD of Hosts.
- Psalm 20:7 (BSB)“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”Some trust in chariots and horses, but God's people trust in His name.
- Proverbs 18:10 (BSB)“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”The name of the LORD is a strong tower where the righteous are safe.
General
What comparison does the psalmist make twice in 118:8-9?
Answer: Sheltering in the LORD is better than relying on people or rulers
Having seen that people could not harm him while the LORD helped him, the psalmist draws a lesson and states it twice for emphasis: sheltering in the LORD is better than relying on human beings, and better than relying even on princes, the powerful rulers of the world (118:8-9). Rulers are only mortal and cannot save (Psalm 146:3). Jeremiah puts the contrast even more sharply, pronouncing a curse on the one who trusts mere people and a blessing on the one who trusts the LORD (Jeremiah 17:5-7).
- Psalm 118:8-9 (BSB)“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”The psalmist twice compares seeking refuge in the LORD with relying on people and rulers.
- Psalm 146:3 (BSB)“Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.”Another psalm warns against trusting rulers and mortal men, who cannot save.
- Jeremiah 17:5-7 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”Jeremiah contrasts the curse on one who trusts mankind with the blessing on one who trusts the LORD.
Theological
What twofold comparison do 118:8-9 draw?
Answer: Sheltering in the LORD is better than relying on people or rulers
The psalmist's experience of divine help becomes a maxim, stated twice in parallel lines: sheltering in the LORD is better than confidence in man, and better than confidence in princes (118:8-9). Even the most powerful human rulers are mortal and cannot save (Psalm 146:3). Jeremiah frames the same antithesis as curse and blessing, the one who makes flesh his strength against the one who relies on the LORD (Jeremiah 17:5-7).
- Psalm 118:8-9 (BSB)“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”The psalmist twice compares seeking refuge in the LORD with relying on people and rulers.
- Psalm 146:3 (BSB)“Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.”Another psalm warns against trusting rulers and mortal men, who cannot save.
- Jeremiah 17:5-7 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”Jeremiah contrasts the curse on one who trusts mankind with the blessing on one who trusts the LORD.
General
Jesus quotes 118:22-23 in Matthew 21:42. Whom does the rejected stone stand for in His use of it?
Answer: Jesus Himself, rejected by the leaders but exalted by God
The psalm pictures a stone that the builders threw aside as useless but that ended up as the cornerstone, the most important stone in the building; this reversal is the LORD's doing and a wonder to see (118:22-23). Jesus quotes these verses right after His parable of the tenants, who killed the vineyard owner's son (Matthew 21:42). The leading priests and the Pharisees who heard His parables knew they were the ones He meant (Matthew 21:45): they were the builders, and Jesus was the stone they were rejecting, whom God would raise to the place of honor. Paul later says the church is built on Christ Jesus as its cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
- Psalm 118:22-23 (BSB)“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”The psalm celebrates a stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone, the LORD's own marvelous work.
- Matthew 21:42 (BSB)“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”Jesus quotes these verses at the end of His parable of the tenants.
- Matthew 21:45 (BSB)“When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them.”The chief priests and Pharisees realize Jesus is speaking about them.
- Ephesians 2:20 (BSB)“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.”Paul says the church is built with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Theological
In Matthew 21:42, to whom does Jesus apply the rejected stone of 118:22-23?
Answer: Jesus Himself, rejected by the leaders but exalted by God
Psalm 118:22-23 celebrates a divine reversal: the stone discarded by the builders becomes the cornerstone, a work of the LORD that is marvelous to behold. Jesus cites it at the climax of the parable of the wicked tenants (Matthew 21:42), and the leading priests and the Pharisees who hear His parables know that He means them (Matthew 21:45). They are the builders; Jesus is the rejected stone, the owner's son whom they will kill and whom God will vindicate and exalt. The apostolic church accordingly confesses Christ Jesus as the cornerstone on which God's household is built (Ephesians 2:20).
- Psalm 118:22-23 (BSB)“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”The psalm celebrates a stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone, the LORD's own marvelous work.
- Matthew 21:42 (BSB)“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”Jesus quotes these verses at the end of His parable of the tenants.
- Matthew 21:45 (BSB)“When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them.”The chief priests and Pharisees realize Jesus is speaking about them.
- Ephesians 2:20 (BSB)“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.”Paul says the church is built with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
General
In 1 Peter 2:7-8, how does Peter say the stone of 118:22 relates to believers and to unbelievers?
Answer: It is precious to believers, but unbelievers stumble over it
Peter uses 118:22 twice. Before the Jewish council he tells the leaders that Jesus, whom they crucified and God raised, is the stone they themselves rejected, and that salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:10-12). In his letter he joins the psalm to Isaiah's promise of a precious cornerstone laid in Zion (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6). To those who believe, the stone is precious; for unbelievers, the discarded stone is exalted all the same, and, in words drawn from Isaiah, it becomes a stone they trip over (Isaiah 8:14; 1 Peter 2:7-8). Peter adds that their stumbling comes from disobeying God's word, and that they were appointed to it, so even their rejection is under God's rule while remaining their own fault.
- Psalm 118:22 (BSB)“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”The rejected stone that has become the cornerstone, quoted by Peter in Acts and in his first letter.
- Acts 4:10-12 (BSB)“then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.””Before the council, Peter names Jesus, crucified by the rulers and raised by God, as the stone they rejected and declares salvation in no other name.
- 1 Peter 2:6-8 (BSB)“For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.”Peter says the stone is precious to believers but a cause of stumbling to those who do not believe.
- Isaiah 28:16 (BSB)“So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.”God promises to lay a tested, precious cornerstone in Zion for those who believe.
- Isaiah 8:14 (BSB)“And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.”Isaiah speaks of the LORD as a stone that causes people to stumble, words Peter joins to the psalm.
Theological
According to 1 Peter 2:7-8, how does the stone of 118:22 function for believers and for unbelievers?
Answer: It is precious to believers, but unbelievers stumble over it
Peter applies 118:22 to Christ in his defense before the Sanhedrin, naming the rulers as the builders who rejected Him and declaring salvation in no other name (Acts 4:10-12). In 1 Peter 2:6-8 he sets the psalm between Isaiah 28:16 and Isaiah 8:14: to believers the stone is precious, while unbelievers trip over the exalted cornerstone. Their stumbling is both culpable, arising from disobedience to God's word, and appointed, since Peter says they were appointed to it. Human responsibility and divine sovereignty stand together, and neither the builders' rejection nor any unbelief frustrates God's purpose to exalt His Son.
- Psalm 118:22 (BSB)“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”The rejected stone that has become the cornerstone, quoted by Peter in Acts and in his first letter.
- Acts 4:10-12 (BSB)“then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.””Before the council, Peter names Jesus, crucified by the rulers and raised by God, as the stone they rejected and declares salvation in no other name.
- 1 Peter 2:6-8 (BSB)“For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.”Peter says the stone is precious to believers but a cause of stumbling to those who do not believe.
- Isaiah 28:16 (BSB)“So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.”God promises to lay a tested, precious cornerstone in Zion for those who believe.
- Isaiah 8:14 (BSB)“And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.”Isaiah speaks of the LORD as a stone that causes people to stumble, words Peter joins to the psalm.
General
The psalmist's confession in 118:14 repeats words first sung on what occasion?
Answer: When Israel was brought safely through the sea
In 118:14 the psalmist calls the LORD his strength and his song, the One who has become his salvation. These are the very words that Moses and Israel sang after the LORD brought them through the sea and threw Pharaoh's horses and riders into it (Exodus 15:1-2). By using them, the psalmist sees his own rescue as another act of the same saving God. The righteous join in, celebrating the power of the LORD's right hand (118:15-16), a picture of His strength in action. Isaiah's song for the redeemed repeats the same confession (Isaiah 12:2).
- Psalm 118:14-16 (BSB)“The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor! The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!””The psalmist praises the LORD as his strength, song, and salvation, while the righteous celebrate the LORD's right hand.
- Exodus 15:1-2 (BSB)“Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”Moses and the Israelites sang these words after the LORD brought them through the sea.
- Isaiah 12:2 (BSB)“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.””Isaiah's song of the redeemed repeats the same confession.
Theological
On what occasion was the confession of 118:14 first sung, word for word?
Answer: When Israel was brought safely through the sea
The confession of 118:14, the LORD as strength, song, and salvation, reproduces the Song of the Sea that Moses and Israel sang after the Exodus deliverance (Exodus 15:1-2). The psalmist interprets his own rescue as a fresh instance of the Exodus pattern, and the rejoicing among the righteous over the valiant, exalted right hand of God (118:15-16) extends the same motif. Isaiah's hymn of the redeemed takes up the identical confession (Isaiah 12:2).
- Psalm 118:14-16 (BSB)“The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor! The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!””The psalmist praises the LORD as his strength, song, and salvation, while the righteous celebrate the LORD's right hand.
- Exodus 15:1-2 (BSB)“Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”Moses and the Israelites sang these words after the LORD brought them through the sea.
- Isaiah 12:2 (BSB)“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.””Isaiah's song of the redeemed repeats the same confession.
General
After the opening call to give thanks, which three groups are called to repeat the refrain about the LORD's love (118:2-4)?
Answer: Israel, the priestly family of Aaron, and all who fear Him
Psalm 118 opens by calling everyone to thank the LORD because He is good and His loving devotion, His loyal, covenant-keeping love, lasts forever (118:1). Then three groups are asked, one after another, to say the same refrain: the nation of Israel, Aaron's house (the priests descended from Aaron), and everyone who fears the LORD (118:2-4). Psalm 115 addresses the same three groups, urging each to trust Him (Psalm 115:9-11), and Psalm 136 repeats the refrain in every verse (Psalm 136:1). Mary sings of the same lasting mercy toward those who fear God (Luke 1:50).
- Psalm 118:1-4 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.””The psalm opens with a call to thanks and asks three groups in turn to repeat the refrain.
- Psalm 115:9-11 (BSB)“O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.”Another psalm addresses the same three groups, urging each to trust in the LORD.
- Psalm 136:1 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.”Psalm 136 opens with the same call to thanks and repeats the refrain in every verse.
- Luke 1:50 (BSB)“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”Mary praises God whose mercy reaches those who fear Him in every generation.
Theological
Which three groups in 118:2-4 are summoned to take up the refrain of the LORD's enduring love?
Answer: Israel, the priestly family of Aaron, and all who fear Him
The call of 118:1 to give thanks for the LORD's goodness and everlasting loving devotion becomes a call-and-response in 118:2-4, addressed in turn to Israel, Aaron's house (the priesthood), and all who revere the LORD. The same threefold address appears in Psalm 115:9-11, and the refrain structures all of Psalm 136 (Psalm 136:1). Mary's song carries the theme into the new covenant, praising the mercy God shows, age after age, to all who fear Him (Luke 1:50).
- Psalm 118:1-4 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.””The psalm opens with a call to thanks and asks three groups in turn to repeat the refrain.
- Psalm 115:9-11 (BSB)“O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.”Another psalm addresses the same three groups, urging each to trust in the LORD.
- Psalm 136:1 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.”Psalm 136 opens with the same call to thanks and repeats the refrain in every verse.
- Luke 1:50 (BSB)“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”Mary praises God whose mercy reaches those who fear Him in every generation.