Psalm Reading for March 31, 2024 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song — and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him — victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him — this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ — rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain — they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 9, 2023 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song — and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him — victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him — this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ — rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain — they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 17, 2022 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COMa

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him —  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain —  they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 4, 2021 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COMa

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him —  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain —  they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 12, 2020 (Easter)

Note from Celeste:

Before we look at today’s lectionary reading, I’d like to draw your attention to my Holy Week Bible Study book.

Go and Find a Donkey is the latest installment of the Choose This Day Multiple Choice Bible Studies series.

The daily devotionals take 10-15 minutes and include:

• Scripture passage (World English Bible)
• Fun, entertaining multiple choice questions focused directly on the Scripture passage
• Short meditation that can be used as a discussion starter.

Use them on the suggested dates, or skip around.  Designed to be used during Holy Week, this nine-day Bible study takes you from Palm Sunday through Easter Monday.

Use this book personally during a coffee break or with the family in the car or at the breakfast table.

Order Go and Find a Donkey  today to prepare your family for this year’s Easter season!
CLICK HERE for Amazon’s Kindle book of Go and Find a Donkey.
CLICK HERE for Amazon’s Paperback of Go and Find a Donkey.

AND NOW, BACK TO TODAY’S LECTIONARY READING:
START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders ( possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him—  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and  the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain — they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for November 17, 2019

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This is a festive Psalm that is commonly associated with the Feast of the Tabernacles, which is a festival of remembrance for Israel’s nomadic past and their sojourn in the wilderness. Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.

It appears to be a kind of processional Psalm that worshipers might sing as they approach the Temple.  This seems to describe their progress as they process together.  They call for the gates of the righteous and of the Lord to be opened.  Then there is notice paid to the stones – specifically the cornerstone, as though the worshipers are passing a particular point in the Temple. Then they approach with boughs in hand up to the horns of the altar.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

This liturgy is repeated four times, appealing to Israel, the house of Aaron (i.e., the priests) and also all  who fear God to declare:

    that his loving kindness endures forever.

In this last verse, there seems to be an invitation even for those Gentiles who fear God who are not a part of Israel or the priesthood to worship Yahweh.

Beginning with verse 5, the point of view changes — the Psalmist begins to speak in the first person of his own circumstances:

Out of my distress, I called on Yah.
Yah answered me with freedom.

In verses 6-9, the Psalmist strongly affirms his faith in Yahweh alone, no matter what people may do or how much they may hate him:

Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

He places no confidence in human beings, and to put everything in perspective, he trusts in God even above any great political powers that may exist: 

It is better to take refuge in Yahweh,
than to put confidence in princes.

In verses 10-13 the Psalmist provides context for his trust in Yahweh and his distrust in princes:

All the nations surrounded me,
but in Yahweh’s name, I cut them off.
They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me.
In Yahweh’s name I indeed cut them off.
They surrounded me like bees.
They are quenched like the burning thorns.
In Yahweh’s name I cut them off.

Again, this section appears to be very personal.  The Psalmist feels besieged, and his imagery of the bees is vivid.  But we also notice a new litany here that he declares three times, like a triumphant cry:

In Yahweh’s name I cut them off.

He is careful, though, to give the credit to Yahweh, as he addresses his foes:

You pushed me back hard, to make me fall,
but Yahweh helped me.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of the Lord, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

He has become my salvation….

He then explores what this salvation means to him — victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to the Lord.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that the Lord has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bond stone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.  This verse is a favorite in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17; Ephesians 2:19-20).

The Psalmist then returns to the setting of this Psalm — on the day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a day of joy and celebration:

 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This is an occasion for prayers of petition:

 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh
Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.

And the Psalmist ends by describing the worshippers as they come to the temple, and:

Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

Finally the Psalmist ends in praise as he began:

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God, I will exalt you.
 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.

APPLY:  

This is a Psalm that is addressed to a particular occasion — the Feast of Tabernacles, and the festal procession into the temple.  But there are also many layers of this Psalm that apply to our lives.

We do well to heed the call to worship God , because his loving kindness endures forever.

When we are distressed — by anything — we call upon Yahweh because we have more confidence in God than in powerful leaders or their institutions.  We are reminded that the:

stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

For Christians, this stone is unmistakably our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For all of these blessings, we can  truly say:

 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

RESPOND: 

Reading Psalm 118 is a little like reading Shakespeare.  Every once in awhile, I come across phrases that have become a part of our everyday speech, without even knowing their source.

There are two key verses that leap out of Psalm 118:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,

and

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

The first, concerning the cornerstone, has contributed to the names of churches, and more than a few songs.  In just a few words, the Psalmist manages to forecast the entire life and ministry of Jesus — who is rejected by those he came to save, and yet is central to the foundation of salvation.

The second line, that this is the day the Lord has made, is familiar to many of us from the popular song written in 1967 by Les Garrett.  For many people, this song is a reminder to rejoice each and every day, no matter what we may be going through.

Our Lord, I praise you for your lovingkindness that endures forever.  I thank you for protecting me in this unpredictable world.  I thank you for the Cornerstone, Christ, who has become the foundation of the church and of my own faith. And because of all you have done, I give thanks every day for each day you have given me.  Amen.

 

PHOTOS:
"This is the Day that the Lord Has Made" by Kevin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license.

Psalm Reading for April 21, 2019 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COMa

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders ( possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him—  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and  the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain — they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 1, 2018 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COMa

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy.)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders ( possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him—  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life in order to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone. The carpenter’s Son has begun the process of building his church!

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and  the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain —  they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for April 16, 2017 (Easter)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COMa

OBSERVE:

This selection from Psalm 118 is a song of joy and victory that is appropriate for Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection.  Obviously, the original context preceded that event by many centuries. (We note that Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 were featured in our lectionary reading for the Liturgy of the Palms last Sunday, so the verses this week provide some amplification to that theme of joy,)

Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  It is likely that this Psalm is associated with the Jewish feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish festivals.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders ( possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of Yahweh, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as the Psalmist’s strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

he has become my salvation.

He then explores what this salvation means to him—  victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to Yahweh.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that Yahweh has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bondstone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.

However, from a Christian perspective this proverb describes the ministry of Christ —  rejected and crucified, he is nonetheless the chief cornerstone, chosen by God and raised to life to provide the foundation of a new spiritual temple.

This verse is quoted by Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17) as a comment on his parable of the wicked tenants who reject the messengers from the landowner, and then kill his beloved son.  Jesus is the cornerstone whom the wicked tenants have rejected.

In the New Testament, the chief cornerstone  is clearly identified with Jesus:

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

This selection of the Psalm concludes with an exhortation very appropriate for the observation of Easter Sunday:

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This day, of all days, is a day of rejoicing!

APPLY:  

This selection from Psalm 118 is perfect for Easter Sunday, reminding us that God brings life out of death, and hope out of despair.

We are especially reminded that Christ, though rejected, despised and crucified, has been vindicated by his resurrection.

No wonder the early church saw this Psalm as a prophecy of Christ.  Jesus himself refers to himself as the stone rejected by the builders who has now become the chief cornerstone.

RESPOND: 

There are so many hymns that we sing in church that allude to Christ as our cornerstone and  the foundation of our faith.

One of my favorites extols Christ:

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one.

Though the historic “temple” of the Christian church has been built with elaborate chambers and columns, arches and domes and spires, metaphorically, by Christians of every denomination and tradition, one thing is certain —  they all build upon Christ as the one foundation.

Lord, I rejoice that you are the cornerstone of my faith, and the structure of my life is founded upon you.  Amen. 

PHOTOS:

“Omaha North Presbyterian Church cornerstone” by Ammodramus is in the public domain.

Psalm Reading for November 13, 2016

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 118

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This is a festive Psalm that is commonly associated with the Feast of the Tabernacles, which is a festival of remembrance for Israel’s nomadic past and their sojourn in the wilderness. Scholars tell us that this is the last of six  Hallel  Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were Psalms of praise and thanksgiving.

It appears to be a kind of processional Psalm that worshipers might sing as they approach the Temple.  This seems to describe their progress as they process together.  They call for the gates of the righteous and of the Lord to be opened.  Then there is notice paid to the stones – specifically the cornerstone, as though the worshipers are passing a particular point in the Temple. Then they approach with boughs in hand up to the horns of the altar.

This Psalm begins with a liturgical phrase that frequently appears in the Psalms, especially here and in Psalm 136, as well as others.  We surmise that this may have been a call and response between the worship leaders (possibly the Levites) and the congregation:

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.

This liturgy is repeated four times, appealing to Israel, the house of Aaron (i.e., the priests) and also all  who fear God to declare:

    that his loving kindness endures forever.

In this last verse, there seems to be an invitation even for those Gentiles who fear God who are not a part of Israel or the priesthood to worship Yahweh.

Beginning with verse 5, the point of view changes — the Psalmist begins to speak in the first person of his own circumstances:

Out of my distress, I called on Yah.
Yah answered me with freedom.

In verses 6-9, the Psalmist strongly affirms his faith in Yahweh alone, no matter what people may do or how much they may hate him:

Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

He places no confidence in human beings, and to put everything in perspective, he trusts in God even above any great political powers that may exist: 

It is better to take refuge in Yahweh,
than to put confidence in princes.

In verses 10-13 the Psalmist provides context for his trust in Yahweh and his distrust in princes:

All the nations surrounded me,
but in Yahweh’s name, I cut them off.
They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me.
In Yahweh’s name I indeed cut them off.
They surrounded me like bees.
They are quenched like the burning thorns.
In Yahweh’s name I cut them off.

Again, this section appears to be very personal.  The Psalmist feels besieged, and his imagery of the bees is vivid.  But we also notice a new litany here that he declares three times, like a triumphant cry:

In Yahweh’s name I cut them off.

He is careful, though, to give the credit to Yahweh, as he addresses his foes:

You pushed me back hard, to make me fall,
but Yahweh helped me.

In the verses from 14 to 24, the Psalmist explores the nature of the Lord, his blessings, and the response of the grateful congregation.

The Lord is acknowledged as strength and song —  and the Psalmist then describes a new characteristic that he has begun to experience from the Lord:

He has become my salvation….

He then explores what this salvation means to him — victory, for one thing.  In an allusion to the nomadic life of his ancestors, or perhaps to the encampments of a military campaign, he refers to the songs of praise sung in the tents like those used in the feast of Tabernacles:

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
“The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”

Salvation also means life, not death:

I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah’s works.
Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

The Psalmist calls for the gates of righteousness to be opened to him —  this is likely both literal and figurative, as the congregation is led in procession into the temple.  The occasion is the opportunity to give thanks to the Lord.  But it is also clear that there are requirements for those who enter:

This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.

The Psalmist again gives thanks that the Lord has answered his prayer and has become his salvation.  And then there is a verse quite familiar to readers of the New Testament:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.

The cornerstone was the bond stone at the corner of the foundation of the building. This image is used by some of the prophets as well.

From the Psalmist’s perspective, this metaphor probably suggests that Israel is the cornerstone that was rejected by the Gentiles but has become a great nation through the blessing of the Lord.  This verse is a favorite in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42; Mark  12:10; Luke 20:17; Ephesians 2:19-20).

The Psalmist then returns to the setting of this Psalm — on the day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a day of joy and celebration:

 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

This is an occasion for prayers of petition:

 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh
Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.

And the Psalmist ends by describing the worshippers as they come to the temple, and:

Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

Finally the Psalmist ends in praise as he began:

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God, I will exalt you.
 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.

APPLY:  

This is a Psalm that is addressed to a particular occasion — the Feast of Tabernacles, and the festal procession into the temple.  But there are also many layers of this Psalm that apply to our lives.

We do well to heed the call to worship God , because his loving kindness endures forever.

When we are distressed — by anything — we call upon Yahweh because we have more confidence in God than in powerful leaders or their institutions.  We are reminded that the:

stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

For Christians, this stone is unmistakably our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For all of these blessings, we can  truly say:

 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

RESPOND: 

Reading Psalm 118 is a little like reading Shakespeare.  Every once in awhile, I come across phrases that have become a part of our everyday speech, without even knowing their source.

There are two key verses that leap out of Psalm 118:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,

and

This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

The first, concerning the cornerstone, has contributed to the names of churches, and more than a few songs.  In just a few words, the Psalmist manages to forecast the entire life and ministry of Jesus — who is rejected by those he came to save, and yet is central to the foundation of salvation.

The second line, that this is the day the Lord has made, is familiar to many of us from the popular song written in 1967 by Les Garrett.  For many people, this song is a reminder to rejoice each and every day, no matter what we may be going through.

Our Lord, I praise you for your lovingkindness that endures forever.  I thank you for protecting me in this unpredictable world.  I thank you for the Cornerstone, Christ, who has become the foundation of the church and of my own faith. And because of all you have done, I give thanks every day for each day you have given me.  Amen.

 

PHOTOS:
"This is the Day that the Lord Has Made" by Kevin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license.