April 11 - Psalm 118:19-29


There are several verses in this passage that are quoted around Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the last week of his life. These are words worth pondering and upon which we should meditate as we prepare to observe the events of Holy Week.

A couple textual observances might help our meditation.
-        The first and last verse are the same – Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. This psalm is all about God’s steadfast love.
-        The word translated steadfast love is really the Old Testament word for God’s grace, as in, “by grace you have been saved.”
-        Verse 25 begins with the prayer, “Save us!” The word that is translated here is hosanna the word the people shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem!
-        In verse 21 is says that God has become “my salvation.” That word is very similar to Jesus’ name in Hebrew.

What is the focus of this passage? For what does it lead us to praise and worship God?

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! The stone that was rejected has become the cornerstone! You have become our salvation, Lord Jesus. Save us, we pray, from sin, death, and the power of the devil. You are our God; and we will give thanks to you. You are our God; we will extol you. You are good, O LORD, and we give you thanks because your steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

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