Psalms 118 - Introduction

CXVIII

The character of this psalm as a Temple song of thanksgiving is stamped on every line of it. The marked divisions with the refrains (Psalms 118:1; Psalms 118:8) have induced commentators to arrange it in parts, supposed to have been sung in turn by the full choir, the congregation, and the priests. It is not, however, by any means certain to what particular event or time the psalm is to he assigned. Many incidents in connection with the rebuilding of the second Temple have been fixed upon in connection with Psalms 118:22. Others have gone to the Maccabæan period for the occasion of the thanksgiving. Several expressions seem to allude to a particular feast, with its peculiar prayers and sacrifices (Psalms 118:24), and there can be little doubt that this was the Feast of Tabernacles. The words of Psalms 118:25 were, we know, sung on one of the days — called the Great Hosanna (Save now) — of the feast; a name given also to the boughs carried and waved in the sacred procession. If Psalms 118:19 imply the completion of the Temple, it is natural to fix on the first complete celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles after the Return (Nehemiah 8:14 seq.).