What does Psalm 118:26 mean?
During feast days, Jewish people would use a series of psalms (Psalms 113—118). Recent verses in this song (Psalm 118:25) were used when Jesus entered Jerusalem just before Passover (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9). The crowds recognized Him as the fulfillment of prophecy (Daniel 9:25–26). This verse contains another phrase spoken during that triumphal entry (John 12:13; Luke 19:38). The second phrase typically refers to the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:37; John 2:16).Scholars suggest that pilgrims to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16) were often greeted using the first line of this psalm. The psalmist, here, looks forward to seeing worshippers arrive at the temple to praise God. The people of Jesus' era celebrated the arrival of the Messiah. Those cries echoed the Old Testament, and also fulfilled prophecies themselves (Matthew 21:15–16). Even so, most of the people celebrating failed to accept the truth about how Jesus would fulfill His role (John 12:37).
