Many Christians love the book of Psalms. Throughout our lives, we read and speak the Psalms both in joyful praise to our Lord and in times of trouble. Studying and praying through the Psalms teaches us how to praise, trust, beseech, and rejoice in the Lord. And through them all, we see a focus on the promises of the coming Messiah.
It’s fitting Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book. One of the Psalms quoted in all four Gospels is Psalm 118:26(a), which says, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Matthew 21:9; 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; John 12:13).
The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. The word Psalms alludes to a connection with music. Basically, the psalms are Israel’s olden hymn book, and they are often referred to as the Psalter.
poetic theology,
James M. Hamilton
Psalm 118 is a portion of the heartfelt six-psalm praise to God titled the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118). Hallel also means “praise” in Hebrew, and this section of the Psalms focuses on the Jewish exodus from Egypt. These psalms were sung during Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Understandably, the Passover Psalms are accorded greater prominence, for they distinctly celebrate the Jews’ exodus from Egypt. Psalms 115-118 were traditionally sung after the Passover meal, and it is highly likely Jesus and His disciples sang Psalm 118 before they left the Upper Room on the night He was betrayed (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26).
Pastor John MacArthur writes, “It seems reasonable to propose that Moses possibly wrote this beautiful psalm to look back in worship at the historical Passover and look ahead in wonder to the spiritual Passover in Christ.”
Verse 5 begins with a recounting of what happened to the writer and his response, and within each verse is a praise to God, who brought him into a “spacious place” (verse 5), who was with him (verse 6), and who gave the writer victory (verse 10). God’s sovereignty is a focus in verses 6, 8, 14, 15 and 16.
The author then exalts God by saying he will “proclaim what the Lord has done” (verse 17). In verses 18-21, we see the Lord chastened the psalmist severely, but not to death. The author desires entrance to the “gates of the righteous” so he may “give thanks to the Lord,” for He had become his salvation.
He is the chief Cornerstone upon which salvific victory rests
Verse 23 gives all honor to the Lord God for His work. Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:11.
is
In its immediate context, this verse is surrounded by praise to God for a military victory and worship of Him as sovereign Lord who is God, and who is the Grantor of success. The author also praises Him for granting them entrance into His house (the temple).
Matthew wrote his Gospel to a Jewish audience and his main purpose served to exalt Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and King of Israel.
Zechariah 9:9 foretells how the King would arrive in Jerusalem.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 21:5 when He said, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'”
Blessed isHe who comes in the name of the LORD!'
Hosanna
Peace comes only when people surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus came to testify to the truth and His truth — His very nature brings division (Luke 12:49-53). Dr. R.C. Sproul interprets Luke 12:51 as “All human history will be divided by Me.” Why? Because a person is either for Him or against Him. No neutral ground exists.
Jesus also came in the name of the Lord to accomplish His will (John 4:34; 17:6). No one else could provide what He provides as the true and faithful Israel—salvation (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:13–16; 3:13–17).
A seminary student could write a dissertation on this question (and many probably have).
The Psalms are a rich treasure for us, and when we come upon one with specific implications about Jesus Christ, we are treated to a stunning look at how Almighty God brought the knowledge and record of Jesus to us throughout the Scriptures.
scarlet threadAugustine of Hippo
Quite a bit of the Old Testament includes prophecy, and the Lord Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies. That’s stunning (and true!).
We are given cause to rejoice and be awestruck by God’s faithfulness, love, plan of redemption, and His holiness and sovereignty. He’s given us much to learn through even this one verse. Jesus is He who comes in God’s name, and He is blessed. We find out why throughout the rest of the Bible, which cements His truth.
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
Bible Verses About Welcoming ImmigrantsEmbracing the StrangerAs we journey through life, we often encounter individuals who are not of our nationality......
Who We AreWhat We EelieveWhat We Do
2025 by lntellectual Reserve,Inc All rights reserved.
