Psalms 118:1-29

This Ps. was evidently written for the Temple worship on the occasion of some great festival (Psalms 118:24), when it might be used as a processional hymn. It has been variously referred (a) to the time when Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the second Temple; (b) to the time of Nehemiah; (c) to the cleansing of the Temple by Judas Maccabæus. It is a noble song. Luther declared that he owed more to Psalms 118 than to all the princes and friends who supported him.

Psalms 118:1, dealing with the subject of God's mercy, which has brought them out of trouble, are sung by the procession antiphonally in halfverses; 19 is the request of the procession before the gates, and 20 the Levite reply; 21-24 are sung antiphonally; 26 is the cry of the Levite choir within; while 29 is a closing liturgical chant for the whole congregation.