5 From the straitness I called Jah, Jah answered me in a broad place. 6 Jehovah 'is' for me, I do not fear what man doth to me. 7 Jehovah 'is' for me among my helpers, And I—I look on those hating me. 8 Better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in man, 9 Better to take refuge in Jehovah, Than to trust in princes. 10 All nations have compassed me about, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off. 11 They have compassed me about, Yea, they have compassed me about, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off. 12 They compassed me about as bees, They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off. 13 Thou hast sorely thrust me to fall, And Jehovah hath helped me. 14 My strength and song 'is' Jah, And He is to me for salvation. 15 A voice of singing and salvation, 'Is' in the tents of the righteous, The right hand of Jehovah is doing valiantly. 16 The right hand of Jehovah is exalted, The right hand of Jehovah is doing valiantly. 17 I do not die, but live, And recount the works of Jah, 18 Jah hath sorely chastened me, And to death hath not given me up.
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.