19 Open to me the gates of righteousness.
I will enter into them.
I will give thanks to Yah. 20 This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it. 21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me,
and have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 23 This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it! 25 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh!
Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh!
We have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh. 27 Yahweh is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God, I will exalt you. 29 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 118:19-29
Commentary on Psalm 118:19-29
(Read Psalm 118:19-29)
Those who saw Christ's day at so great a distance, saw cause to praise God for the prospect. The prophecy, verses 22,23, may refer to David's preferment; but principally to Christ. 1. His humiliation; he is the Stone which the builders refused: they would go on in their building without him. This proved the ruin of those who thus made light of him. Rejecters of Christ are rejected of God. 2. His exaltation; he is the chief Cornerstone in the foundation. He is the chief Top-stone, in whom the building is completed, who must, in all things, have the pre-eminence. Christ's name is Wonderful; and the redemption he wrought out is the most amazing of all God's wondrous works. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.