Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 118:1-18

"Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. Let Israel now say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. Let them now that fear Jehovah say, That his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. Out of my distress I called upon Jehovah: Jehovah answered me [and set me] in a large place. Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? Jehovah is on my side among them that help me: Therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. They compassed me about like bees; They are quenched as the fire of thorns: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off. Thou didst thrust sore at me that I might fall; But Jehovah helped me. Jehovah is my strength and song; And he is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly. The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah. Jehovah hath chastened me sore; But he hath not given me over unto death." — Psalms 118:1-18 (ASV)

The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; indeed, the Lord himself chastened him severely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they lack spiritual delights.

Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do to us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us.

Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand.