Study
94 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalms
117 and 118
Ps.
118 was used on a great Feast Day (verse 24). It opens with solemn liturgical
exhortations and repeated responses. Then a kingly procession moves from
outside the Temple (verse 19) to the interior (verse 26), culminating in a
ceremony at the altar (verse 27). The king himself, entering into his victory
celebration come through great struggles and opposition (verse 10-14, 18) to
the gladness of victory and salvation (verse 21). This psalm, therefore, takes
us to the center of Israel’s faith as a nation, and particularly to the triumph
of her king.
1- In both
psalms what truths about God particularly move the people, and how do they
express their worship? What can we learn from their example?
2- Ps.
118:5-21. Examine in detail the more personal testimony of the king. What has
he been up against? What has the Lord done for him? Have you any comparable
testimony?
3- Study the
use of Ps. 118:22-26 in its application to Jesus. Cf. Mt. 21:9; Mk. 12:6-11; Acts 4:10-12; 1
Pet. 2:7.