5 I called upon Jah in distress; Jah answered me [and set me] in a large place. 6 Jehovah is for me, I will not fear; what can man do unto me? 7 Jehovah is for me among them that help me; and I shall see [my desire] upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in man; 9 It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in nobles. 10 All nations encompassed me; but in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them. 11 They encompassed me, yea, encompassed me; but in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them. 12 They encompassed me like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of Jehovah have I destroyed them. 13 Thou hast thrust hard at me that I might fall; but Jehovah helped me. 14 My strength and song is Jah, and he is become my salvation. 15 The voice of triumph and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: the right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly; 16 The right hand of Jehovah is exalted, the right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of Jah. 18 Jah hath chastened me sore; but he hath not given me over unto death.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 118:5-18
Commentary on Psalm 118:1-18
(Read Psalm 118:1-18)
The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand.