Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is the last of six psalms (Psalms 113–118) known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” The Israelites used this collection of psalms in the Passover celebration. “Egyptian” is a reference to when “Israel came out of Egypt” (114:1; see Exodus 6:6–7), and Hallel means praise. Psalms 113–114 are sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115–118 afterward.

Psalm 118 is the second most-quoted psalm in the New Testament (Psalm 110 is the first). When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted the words of Psalm 118:26, proclaiming Jesus as the king to free them from Roman bondage (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38; John 12:13). Christ quoted Psalm 118:22–23 in the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10–11; Luke 20:17). Peter cited these same verses in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7, and Paul alludes to them in Ephesians 2:20–21. Hebrews 13:6 quotes from Psalm 118:6.

K. T. Sim