What does it mean that “this is the day that the Lord has made” (Psalm 118:24)?

Answer

Psalm 118:24 is a celebratory Bible verse often mentioned in Sunday worship services and wedding ceremonies. The complete verse states, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” «This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. », (Psalm 118:24, ESV). Historically, this passage was part of a liturgy of praise where worshipers acknowledged a feast day to give thanks to God. Through these words, the people recognized that God had designated the day for a special purpose, and therefore, they would fulfill His purpose by rejoicing and being glad in it.

Psalm 118 is the final of the “Hallel” or “praise” psalms (Psalms 113—118). These psalms were sung by the Jewish people during their joyful annual festivals, particularly as part of the Passover meal observances. The language and theme of Psalm 118 are closely tied to Israel’s exodus from Egypt. It was recited to remember God’s immense love and deliverance in liberating them from bondage to their harsh enemies.

The mood of Psalm 118 is joyful and trusting, seemingly crafted specifically for a thanksgiving service. The author, or celebrant, enters the temple courts with a group of worshipers and expresses gratitude to the Lord in a form of liturgy involving the congregation and ministers of the sanctuary. After inviting the community to join in thanksgiving and praise (verses 2–4), the writer praises the Lord’s enduring love, His rescue from death, and His continuous protection and care.

The entire psalm commemorates God’s triumph over Israel’s enemies (Psalm 118:10-17). In this context, we can fully grasp the declaration, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” The peopleWe recognize that this day of feasting and celebration is the Lord’s doing. Because the Lord has triumphed over their enemies, God’s people can now praise and worship Yahweh for His victory. In essence, the people are declaring, “This is the day we remember when the Lord defeated our enemies.” The New International Version renders the verse as follows: “The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” They have been delivered, and the Lord has made it happen.

Psalm 118 also contains several Messianic references. Jesus quoted the psalm to explain how His own people would reject him as the cornerstone, and the apostle Peter continued the same theme (Psalm 118:22;cf: Matthew 21:42;1 Peter 2:6-8). When Christ entered triumphantly into Jerusalem, the people also quoted from this psalm (Psalm 118:26;cf: Matthew 21:9).

By living on earth, dying on a cross, and resurrecting to life again, Jesus Christ achieved complete victory over all God’s enemies. This is the day that the Lord has made—the day that found its fulfillment in Jesus Christ! Today, believers in Jesus can rejoice and be glad because we live in a brand-new day of triumph. Death and hell have been conquered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:10;Revelation 1:18). Everyone who believes in Him will never die but, instead, be given eternal life (John 3:16;John 11:25-26).

For the children of God, every day is the day the Lord has made. Christians can rejoice and be glad for God’s enduring love, His deliverance from sin and death, His constant protection and care, and His gift of eternal life.

Life in Christ.