Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 118

O give thanks unto the Lord ... - Let others unite with me in giving thanks to the Lord; let them see, from what has occurred in my case, what occasion there is for praise. Every instance of a particular favor shown to anyone is to others an occasion for praise, inasmuch as it is an illustration of the general character of God.

On this verse compare the notes at Psalms 106:1. The language is nearly the same.

Let Israel now say ... — The Hebrew people; the people of God. They have now, in my case, a new illustration of the mercy of God which ought to animate them, and to encourage their hearts. Compare (Psalms 115:9).

Let the house of Aaron now say ... - . The ministers of religion. They are appointed to serve God; to lead in his worship; to defend his truth; to maintain faith in the truth of religion. They are, therefore, interested in my case, and may derive from it a new proof of the merciful character of God, which they may employ, not only for their own encouragement in personal piety, but in the duties of their office. My case furnishes a new argument, which they can use in defending the truth, and in illustrating the power of religion.

Let them now that fear the Lord say ... - Compare (Psalms 115:11). All that worship God are interested in what God has done for me. It is a manifestation of the divine character which should cheer them. They are called, therefore, to unite with the author of the psalm in praise and thanksgiving, not merely from sympathy with him, but because great truths of religion had been illustrated, in his case, which were of as much importance to them as to him.

I called upon the Lord in distress - Margin, as in Hebrew, “out of distress.” In the very midst of trouble he called upon the Lord; his voice was heard, as if coming from the depth of his sorrows. See the notes at Psalms 18:6.

The Lord answered me - That is, he heard my prayers, and delivered me. See the notes at Psalms 18:6.

And set me in a large place - I was previously pressed on every side; sorrows surrounded me; I could not move; I had no liberty. Now he gave me space and freedom on every side, so that I could move without obstruction or pain. This is literally, "The Lord" - (not יהוה Yahweh here, but יה Yâhh) "answered me in a large place." See Psalms 4:1, note; Psalms 18:19, note.