The psalmist begins by declaring, "This is the gate of Yahweh." The gate being referenced is not a physical entrance but a symbolic representation of access to the divine presence. It's a gate that welcomes the righteous—an invitation into communion with Yahweh. The imagery evokes a sense of divine connection and access granted to those who walk in righteousness.
- Gratitude for Answered Prayer:
"I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation." The psalmist's heart swells with gratitude, acknowledging the responsive nature of God. The act of giving thanks is rooted in a personal experience of answered prayers and the recognition of God as the source of salvation. The psalmist sees Yahweh not only as the responder to petitions but as the very embodiment of deliverance and rescue.
- The Stone Rejected and the Cornerstone:
The striking shift in imagery occurs with the proclamation, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Here, the psalmist employs a metaphor that reverberates throughout biblical literature. The rejected stone takes on profound significance as it transforms into the cornerstone—the foundational stone upon which the entire structure rests.
The Spiritual Significance:
Access to God through Righteousness: The declaration of the gate of Yahweh emphasizes the notion that righteousness opens the way to communion with God. It echoes themes found throughout the Psalms and Prophets, highlighting the connection between righteous living and divine favor.
Gratitude as a Response to Salvation: The act of giving thanks stems from a deep awareness of answered prayers and personal salvation. It reflects a heart attuned to the transformative work of God and expresses gratitude as a natural response to His redemptive actions.
The Rejected Stone as a Messianic Symbol: The metaphor of the rejected stone finding prominence as the cornerstone holds Messianic significance. In Christian theology, Jesus is often identified as the cornerstone—the central and foundational figure in God's plan of salvation.
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.