Psalms 118:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:26
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 118:26
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Analysis
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD (בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה, barukh ha-ba be-shem YHWH)—Barukh means blessed; ha-ba means the one coming; be-shem means in the name of. We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD (בֵּרַכְנוּכֶם מִבֵּית יְהוָה, berakhnu-khem mi-beit YHWH)—This is priestly blessing pronounced from the temple.
The crowds quoted this exact verse when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). "He that cometh" became a messianic title—"the Coming One" (Matthew 11:3). To come "in the name of the LORD" means to come as God's authorized representative. Jesus later lamented Jerusalem: "Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 23:39), predicting his second coming.
Historical Context
This was part of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) sung at major festivals. Pilgrims approaching Jerusalem would sing it; priests would respond with blessing from the temple. Jesus deliberately staged his entry to fulfill this psalm, making unmistakable messianic claims. The religious leaders understood and were furious (Matthew 21:15-16).
Reflection
- How does recognizing Jesus as "he that cometh in the name of the LORD" establish his divine identity?
- What does it mean for Christians to come "in the name of the LORD" as Jesus's ambassadors?
- How does Matthew 23:39 use this verse to predict Christ's second coming and Israel's future recognition?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Blessing: Psalms 129:8, 134:3, Matthew 21:9, 23:39, Luke 13:35, 19:38
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 4:7