Commentary on Psalms 118:24

Bible Verse: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:24)

Psalms 118:24 stands as a powerful proclamation of thanksgiving and joy, encapsulating a moment of divine recognition. The verse not only serves as a reflection of individual and communal praise but also highlights the theological implications of recognizing God’s sovereignty over each day.

Historical Context

This Psalm is traditionally ascribed to David and reflects his experiences of distress followed by divine deliverance. Throughout the Psalms, there is a recurring theme of lament turning into praise, and this specific verse encapsulates that transition. It suggests a particular day of significance, understood either as a literal day of thanks for deliverance or symbolically as any new day given by God.

Key Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the providential nature of God in this verse. He notes that every day is made by the LORD, reflecting His creative power. Henry also stresses the importance of viewing each day as an opportunity for rejoicing, viewing life through the lens of God's continual mercy and grace. He writes, "Every day is a gift from God; it is fitting to respond with gratitude and gladness."

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes describes this verse as a declaration of faith and hope. He interprets "the day" as a day of deliverance, implying that the speaker recognizes a special intervention of God in their life. He encourages believers to acknowledge every new day as a chance to declare God's faithfulness and rejoice in His blessings. "In every day," Barnes asserts, "there is a reason to celebrate the sufficiency of God's grace."

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke presents a scholarly perspective that includes historical and linguistic analysis of the text. He points out that the refrain reflects a Jewish perspective of gratitude and worship. Clarke also integrates the idea that the day can be seen as a celebration of the Lord's triumph and deliverance, contextualizing it within the religious observances of Israel. He notes, "The repetition stresses not only the joy of the present moment but the continuity of God’s faithfulness across generations."

Theological Implications

This verse is profoundly theological, illustrating several key doctrines:

• God's Sovereignty: The phrase "This is the day which the LORD hath made" emphasizes that God is the architect of time. Each day is part of His divine design, giving believers confidence in His control over their circumstances.
• Joy in the Lord: The command to "rejoice and be glad" highlights the appropriate response to God's goodness. It serves as a reminder that joy is both a choice and a gift, rooted in the acknowledgment of God’s works.
• The Present Moment: In a world preoccupied with past regrets and future anxieties, this verse invites believers to fully embrace and celebrate the present, reminding them that God's mercy is renewed each day (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, the insights of Psalms 118:24 can be significantly transformational:

• Encouragement in Pastoral Care: Use this verse to encourage congregants to find joy in their daily routines and recognize the divine aspects of their everyday lives.
• Daily Devotions: Incorporate this verse into daily prayers, reflecting on God’s grace and sovereignty to cultivate an attitude of gratitude among individuals and groups.
• Teaching and Sermons: Develop messages that explore the themes of joy, providence, and the significance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives, using this Psalm as foundational material.

Conclusion

Psalms 118:24 invites a reflective and proactive engagement with each day that the Lord has made. By acknowledging the sovereignty and goodness of God, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of rejoicing and gratitude. This serves not merely as an emotional response but as a foundational attitude for living out faith in every moment.