Hosanna!
Psalm 118 is the final psalm of the “Hillel psalms” that are traditionally sung at the Passover. This particular psalm is special in two ways. First, it was the last psalm sung by Jesus and His disciples before they went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Second, this psalm is traditionally read out loud by the priests when they are sacrificing the Passover lambs at the temple. When the lambs are slain they recite verses 25-26, “Oh YHWH, Hosanna... Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord...!” Hosanna is “God save us!”
The psalmist calls the congregation, the priests, and all those who fear the Lord to give thanks to the Lord in public praise and worship (118:1-4). Everyone should praise God for His perfections: He is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting.
He then recounts the reason for the people to give thanks (118:5-18). In the midst of great distress and danger the Lord heard the cry of the psalmist and helped him (118:5,7,13). God delivered him from his plight and gave the nation victory over their enemies. They did not trust in their neighbours, themselves (118:8), or the government (118:9); but rather trusted in the Lord. It is because of the Lord’s salvation that His people can joyfully praise God and tell of His great works on their behalf (118:14-21).
The psalmist celebrates the gates of the temple opening and God’s people entering through them praising God together (118:19-21). The one that was rejected (the Stone), has become the foundation stone (118:22-29). Believers we can rejoice in the predetermined plan of God to have Jesus rejected by His people and be the sacrifice for our sins (118:22). Give thanks to the Lord, for He saves (118:25) by His grace those who believe in His Son (118:27-29).