These verses are part of a psalm celebrating God’s steadfast love and deliverance. They reveal a profound truth about righteousness, salvation, and the work of God, culminating in the imagery of the "rejected stone" becoming the cornerstone—a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Together, these verses form a foundation for understanding God’s plan for redemption and the transformative power of His works.
- The Gate of Yahweh (Verse 20)
The psalmist declares, "This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it." This gate represents access to God’s presence, fellowship, and salvation. It signifies the entrance into a life aligned with God’s will and purposes. To "enter" the gate, one must be righteous—not by personal merit, but through faith and obedience to God.
In John 10:9, Jesus proclaims, "I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved." This statement directly connects to Psalm 118:20, identifying Jesus as the way to God. Only through Him can we enter into the presence of Yahweh and experience the fullness of salvation. The righteousness required to enter is not earned by our works but granted through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22).
- Thanksgiving for Salvation (Verse 21)
"I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation." Here, the psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance. This personal acknowledgment of God’s saving work underscores the relationship between the individual and God. Salvation is not a distant or abstract concept; it is personal, transformative, and worthy of heartfelt praise.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. When we reflect on the ways God has answered our prayers and rescued us—whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically—we are compelled to respond with thanksgiving. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you."
- The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone (Verse 22)
"The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse carries a prophetic depth that resonates throughout Scripture. In its immediate context, it likely referred to Israel or its king—perhaps David—whom nations and leaders had dismissed or underestimated but whom God had chosen to fulfill His purposes. However, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ.
Jesus directly references this verse in Matthew 21:42, following the parable of the wicked tenants. He identifies Himself as the rejected stone, rejected by the religious leaders and people of His time, yet chosen by God as the foundation of His redemptive plan. Similarly, in Acts 4:11, Peter proclaims, "This is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone." This cornerstone imagery reflects Jesus’ role as the foundation of the Church and the Savior of the world.
The rejection of Jesus by humanity highlights the paradox of God’s ways: what the world deems unworthy, God exalts. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong." Through Jesus, the rejected stone, God demonstrates His power to transform and redeem.
Significance of the Cornerstone
A cornerstone is the first stone laid in a building’s foundation, setting the standard for the entire structure. By calling Jesus the cornerstone, the psalmist and later New Testament writers emphasize His central role in God’s plan. He is the foundation upon which everything else rests. For believers, this means that our lives, faith, and hope must be built on Christ alone.
Isaiah 28:16 also speaks of this cornerstone: "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily." This verse confirms that those who trust in the cornerstone—Jesus—will find security and stability, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Application for Our Lives
Gratitude for Salvation: The psalmist’s thanksgiving reminds us to regularly reflect on God’s work in our lives. By acknowledging His deliverance and faithfulness, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and deepen our relationship with Him.
Embracing the Rejected: Just as Jesus was rejected but exalted, we are called to see the value in what the world dismisses. This includes showing compassion to the marginalized and trusting God’s ability to work through unlikely circumstances and people.
Building on the Cornerstone: Our lives should be built on Christ, the cornerstone. This means aligning our decisions, actions, and priorities with His teachings and example. When we make Jesus our foundation, we can stand firm in faith, regardless of what challenges arise.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 28:16: "Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, 'Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.'" Isaiah's prophecy aligns with the theme of a cornerstone, emphasizing its stability and the importance of belief in the foundation laid by God.
Matthew 21:42: "Jesus said to them, 'Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes?''" Jesus himself quotes this verse, applying it to his own role as the rejected yet pivotal figure in God's redemptive plan.
Psalm 118:20-22 invites us into a contemplation of our relationship with God. It challenges us to walk in righteousness, recognizing that our actions and choices have spiritual implications. The gratitude expressed in the psalm encourages us to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, ever mindful of the ways in which God has answered our prayers and become our salvation.
The imagery of the rejected stone turned cornerstone resonates with enduring relevance. It prompts us to reflect on moments of rejection or difficulty in our lives, understanding that God can transform those very experiences into foundational elements of our journey. Just as the cornerstone is essential for the stability of a structure, our connection with the cornerstone—Jesus Christ—is foundational for the stability and meaning of our lives.
In the tapestry of faith, Psalm 118:20-22 beckons us to enter through the gate of Yahweh, to give thanks for answered prayers, and to embrace the transformative power of the cornerstone that was once rejected but has become the source of our salvation.
Psalm 118:20-22. This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.