118 Give thanks to Yahweh, because he’s good,

because his loyal commitment endures forever.

2 Let Yisrael (Israel) now say,

“His loyal commitment endures forever.”

3 Let Aharon’s (Aaron’s) descendants now say,

“His loyal commitment endures forever.”

4 Let Yahweh’s loyal followers say,

“His loyal commitment endures forever.”

5 In my distress, I called out to Yahweh for help.

→ and he answered me and set me free.

6 Yahweh is with me—I won’t be afraid.

What can anyone do to me?

7 Yahweh’s on my side as my helper.

I will look on at those who hate me.

8 It’s better to take shelter in Yahweh

than to put confidence in humanity.

9 It’s better to make Yahweh your safe place

than to put your trust in your country’s leaders.

10 All the nations surrounded me in battle.

In Yahweh’s name I destroyed them.

11 They surrounded me—yes, they surrounded me—

but in Yahweh’s name I destroyed them.

12 They surrounded me like bees

then disappeared as quickly as fire among brush—

with Yahweh’s help we defeated them.

13 They attacked me to knock me down,

but Yahweh helped me.

14 Yahweh is my strength and my song,

and he’s the one who rescues me.

15 The cheerful shout of victory can be heard in the tents of the godly people—

Yahweh has demonstrated his power and strength.

16 Yahweh’s power overcame—

Yahweh has demonstrated his power and strength.

17 I’m going to live, not die,

and I’ll tell everyone about what Yahweh did.

18 Yahweh has punished me harshly,

but he hasn’t given me over to death.

19 Open the temple gates for me—

I’ll enter through them and then give thanks to Yahweh.

20 This is Yahweh’s gate—

→ the godly people enter through it.

21 I will give thanks to you,

→ because you answered me by rescuing me.

22 The stone that the builders rejected

→ has become the very important stone at the corner.

23 That’s Yahweh’s doing—

→ we think it’s just wonderful.[ref]

24 Today’s the day on which Yahweh has acted.

→ We’ll celebrate and be happy about it.

25 Please, Yahweh, give us victory.

≈ Please, Yahweh, send now success.

26 Blessed is anyone who comes with Yahweh’s authority.

We bless you from Yahweh’s residence.

27 Yahweh is God, and he’s given us light.

Tie the sacrifice to the corner posts of the altar with ropes.

28 You’re my god, and I’ll give thanks to you.

≈ You’re my god—I will praise you.

29 Yes, give thanks to Yahweh because he’s good,

because his loyal commitment endures forever.