Day 2: Psalm 118:19-26

Read Psalm 118:19-26

Helpful Background Information:  

• Matthew 21:1-9, where Jesus fulfills this text. 

• The term we recognize from Jesus’s Triumphal Entry in Matt. 21:9 is “Hosanna”. This is a Hebrew term that is used differently throughout the Old Testament. Sometimes it is used as a prayer requesting something, sometimes as praise, sometimes to cry out to the Lord. Most directly the term means “to be saved” or to be delivered, victorious in the Lord. In Psalm 118:25, it is translated directly in most English Bibles as “Save us”—a request. 

• This is why as Jesus is entering into Jerusalem in Matt. 21, people cry Hosanna to Jesus, the Messiah. This is an acknowledgement that He is the only One who can save them; a praise that God has sent His Messiah, the One who can save them— Jesus. 

Reflection Questions: 

• What does Psalm 118:22 mean? Use a commentary if you need assistance in answering this question!  

• As Jesus is entering Jerusalem (the place where He would be killed and buried, and eventually resurrect), the people cry out Psalm 118:25-26. They cry out, “Hosanna to the Son of David [Jesus]! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9). Why are they praising God for Jesus’s arrival? 

• Psalm 118 is a passage where it is difficult to see Jesus until the New Testament comes along and helps us see Him in the text. How does the Matthew 21 text help you see Jesus in the passage, and see Jesus in the rest of the Old Testament?

• What’s one characteristic of Jesus you can meditate on this Easter? Take 10 minutes to write down this characteristic,, meditate on it, pray on it, give thanks and praise to God for it (if you’re doing this devotional with someone else, share your thoughts on it).