Pastor’s Notes Psalm 118:14

Psalm 118:14

Who penned Psalm 118 is not clear but it is said that it seems to describe a David like character who was appointed by divine choice to a high and honorable office in Israel. Whoever the writer is It is evident that he found himself rejected by his friends and violently opposed by his enemies yet trusting in God.

Although this psalm was written by another regarding their situation and salvation from it, we can also see it as speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Psalm begins: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.” In verses 10-13 the conflict is spoken of with verse 13 saying: “Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.” The word translated thrust gives us the idea that the Psalmist was pushed and shoved around by his enemies.

Then as now the world is hostile to God’s truth and at times those who declare the good news are buffeted by those resisting God’s word. However, it is written: “but the Lord helped me.” The Lord saved the writer from a time of great trouble and the Lord will watch over those who declare His name. When Moses lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, he offered the same words of praise: “The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2). No wonder the Psalmist went on to say: “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.” (v15).