What does Psalm 118:1 mean?
The psalmist cites the Lord's goodness and steadfast love as reasons to praise Him. This involves the term hesed, implying a loyal, consistent care (Exodus 34:6). The song leader may have spoken or sung the initial words, so the people in a congregation would deliver the repeated phrase. The first and last verses of this psalm are identical.If this psalm were sung to commemorate the completion of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls around 444 BC, the people would recognize how good God had been to enable them to complete the project. Throughout Israel's history the Lord had been good to His people. Though He allowed them to suffer consequence and discipline, His love had never failed. He blessed Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (Exodus 2:24). He had delivered the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12:41) and had provided miraculously for them during their wilderness wanderings (Exodus 16:12; 17:6). He had given them Canaan, the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:8). He had rescued them from oppressing enemies in the era of the Judges (Judges 2:16–19). He had watched over the king, David, and had freed them from the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:50–51).
This song may have been written to celebrate Israel's return from captivity. The Lord enabled them to rebuild the temple and walls (Ezra 2:1; 3:1–2, 8). The nation had good reason to thank the Lord for His goodness and steadfast love!
Psalm 118:1–9 calls upon all Israel to thank the Lord for his goodness and unfailing love. These phrases stand in the tradition of the "Hallel" Psalms (Psalms 113—118). This brief introduction to Psalm 118 is appropriate as the beginning of a song to be sung at the Feast of Booths. The song seems to be written as call and response. In that style, a song leader speaks prompt phrases and the assembled people reply with a repeated refrain.
Psalm 118 appears to be a "call and response." The repeated phrases may have been spoken by a congregation after the prompts, read by a song leader. The psalmist begins with a declaration of God's loyal love and its expression by all of Israel. Next is a celebration of the Lord's rescue and the value of honoring Him. Despite Israel's many powerful neighbors, God preserved them through discipline and exile, not allowing the nation to die. What the world rejects has now become the key piece of God's plan for mankind.
