Psalm 118 is a song of boundless joy and victory (v. 15). The king and his people exalt in the enduring love of the Lord (vv. 1–4) that is shown in the salvation He has given them from the hostile nations around (v. 10).

Psalm 118 is a very important psalm for Jews. Jews use this psalm at three of their great festivals: the Feast of Tabernacles, the Festival of Weeks, and the Passover. It’s not surprising that such a joyful song of hope, faith, and triumph should be sung at these important times of remembering and rejoicing.

It’s also a very important psalm for Christians. It’s one of the most often quoted psalms in the New Testament. In Psalm 118:22, the people rejoice that their leader, who was rejected by the nations for ruling a small and inconsequential kingdom, has emerged victorious. The one rejected has become the capstone. This could refer to a cornerstone, holding two walls together, or the top stone.

In the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33–44), the Lord Jesus applied this metaphor to himself. He would be that stone, rejected and killed by His own people. Similarly, in his speech before the Jewish leaders, Peter quoted this verse, announcing to them that they were the ones who rejected and crucified God’s chosen one, Jesus (Acts 4:11). Yet, just as the ruler in Psalm 118 led God’s people to salvation, salvation was to be found in no other name but Jesus.

Rejection was to come for Jesus’ followers as well. Peter continued to use the metaphor of the rejected stone in his first letter, which was written to a church facing persecution by the world around them. The world had rejected their message about Jesus, but Peter reminded them that, first, it was the Lord Jesus they were rejecting, as Psalm 118 said they would (1 Peter 2:8). In the centuries since then, God’s faithful people have always faced opposition and rejection. Yet we have one immovable conviction: “The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies” (Psalm 118:7).

Though Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, He was gladly welcomed by His faithful people. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–38) and how, in Luke’s words, “the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices” (19:37). In joyfully welcoming their Messiah, the crowds remembered Psalm 118:26, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” How appropriate that they echoed these words. Indeed, this triumphant call reflects the joyous tone of the whole psalm.

Since God has made His king the “cornerstone”, the psalmist tells us to “rejoice today and be glad” (v. 24). What a wonderful encouragement, and what a great way to begin every day.