Psalm 118

The last of the 'Egyptian Hallel' Psalms, sung at the Passover Meal.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good!  His mercy endures forever!
(How comforting, really.  He is not fickle or changing.  He has said Who He is, and that will not change.  He isn't a God of whims, burst of anger, or changing His mind.  In a world where everything changes.....even me and my own moods, ways, and decrees, this is hard for our minds to comprehend.....but what a comfort!)

As in Psalm 115, Israel, the house of Aaron, and 'those who fear the Lord' are called on.
In Psalm 115, each group was to trust the Lord, for He is their help and shield.  
Here, each group is called upon to proclaim that His mercy endures forever.

A time of distress is recalled......and that God answered and 'set me in a broad place."
In confidence he can say, in essence, "if God is for me, who can be against me?"  (Rom8:31)
V6  The Lord is on my side;  I will not fear.  What can man do to me?
God is far more reliable than man....even princes.....those in influential positions.

By God's help the surrounding nations were crushed. leading to great rejoicing.  God is valient and exalted.   And I will not die, but live......though chastened by Him.   He will not destroy the righteous, but they will enter His house indeed.

V 22-23...."The Stone that the builders rejected......"     Jesus applies this to Himself in Mark 2:10-11, as does Peter in Acts 4:11 and I Peter 2:7)      I wonder what meaning the OT Hebrews took from it at the time, though?   Perhaps they were the cornerstone, rejected by those around them?   At any rate, the next verse acknowledges God's sovereign hand in all, stating that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!".  He has indeed done great things!

He will bless and save.....preserving a posterity....."blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"  NKJV notes that this is the basis for the people's cry as Christ entered Jerusalem.  In time context, however, it was a priestly blessing for those entering the temple.

He has given us a light.......And we will praise Him!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever!"