Psalms 118:24
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about celebrating any good day; it's about recognizing the divine appointment behind it. It's a reminder that the specific moments of triumph and joy we experience are not accidental but are purposed by God. Therefore, our rejoicing should be a deliberate response to His hand in our lives.
This verse erupts from a scene of profound deliverance, likely celebrating a military victory or the installation of a king. After calling for the gates of righteousness to be opened to praise God, the psalm builds to this triumphant declaration of a day divinely appointed for rejoicing. It’s a recognition that this moment of victory and salvation is not accidental but a deliberate act of God, calling for a response of gladness and celebration.
Have you ever felt like a day was just... perfect? Like it was meant to be? This verse points to that kind of holy intentionality.
The psalmist declares, 'This is the day that the LORD has made.' This isn't just a casual observation; it's a theological statement. It means that this particular day, with all its events and circumstances, isn't accidental. God sovereignly ordained it for a specific purpose – in this context, likely a day of victory and deliverance.
Think of it as a divine appointment. God didn't just create the calendar; He also shapes the days within it, setting them apart for His purposes. This perspective shifts our view from passively experiencing time to actively participating in God's unfolding plan.
Jesus' own followers quoted this very verse when He entered Jerusalem. Why was it so fitting then, and why does it still resonate today?
While this psalm celebrates a historical deliverance, its meaning deepens when we consider Jesus. The early church and even some Jewish interpretations saw this verse pointing forward to significant moments in salvation history.
The verse doesn't just say 'rejoice,' it commands it. What does it mean to actively choose gladness in a day God has made?
Understand the original words
gil / samach · Hebrew Verb
To experience deep-seated, spiritual joy and exultation, typically as a communal response to God's presence, deliverance, or redemptive work.
This verse, while applicable to any day of deliverance, finds profound resonance in moments of national triumph, the rebuilding of the Temple, and ultimately, in the celebration of Christ's resurrection, marking a definitive victory for God's people.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, creating a period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Construction
King Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for worship and national festivals, solidifying Israel's religious identity.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile much of the population, marking a devastating low point for the nation.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile and Temple Rebuilding
Under Persian rule, exiles are allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, a time of immense spiritual significance and communal rejoicing.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 118:24 as people celebrate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, calling Him 'the King who comes in the name of the Lord,' showing how this psalm points to a Messianic celebration.
John 20:19The disciples' joy on the evening of Jesus' resurrection demonstrates a fulfillment of this verse, as they rejoiced in the 'day' God made through Christ's victory over death.
1 Corinthians 15:20Paul calls Christ the 'firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,' highlighting His resurrection as the foundational 'day' of new life and eternal hope that believers can rejoice in.
Hebrews 10:19-20The 'new and living way' opened by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection creates a perpetual access to God, allowing believers to 'draw near with a true heart' and continually rejoice in this divinely appointed reality.
clarkePsalms 118:24: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
This is the day which the Lord hath made - As the Lord hath called me to triumph, this is the day which he hath appointed for that purpose. This is a gracious opportunity; I will improve it to his glory.
gillPsalms 118:24: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
This is the day which the Lord hath made,.... Famous and remarkable for the above events. Meaning either the day of Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, in order to be delivered up to the Jews, and suffer and die in the place of his people; to which the following words agree: or the day of his resurrection (g) from the dead; when God gave him glory, and was matter of joy to those for whose justification h…
This verse isn't just about celebrating any good day; it's about recognizing the divine appointment behind it. It's a reminder that the specific moments of triumph and joy we experience are not accidental but are purposed by God. Therefore, our rejoicing should be a deliberate response to His hand in our lives.
This verse erupts from a scene of profound deliverance, likely celebrating a military victory or the installation of a king. After calling for the gates of righteousness to be opened to praise God, the psalm builds to this triumphant declaration of a day divinely appointed for rejoicing. It’s a recognition that this moment of victory and salvation is not accidental but a deliberate act of God, calling for a response of gladness and celebration.
This verse erupts from a scene of profound deliverance, likely celebrating a military victory or the installation of a king. After calling for the gates of righteousness to be opened to praise God, the psalm builds to this triumphant declaration of a day divinely appointed for rejoicing. It’s a recognition that this moment of victory and salvation is not accidental but a deliberate act of God, calling for a response of gladness and celebration.
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The second half of the verse is a powerful response to the first: 'let us rejoice and be glad in it.' This isn't a passive feeling but an intentional act. When we acknowledge that God has made this day, we are invited—even commanded—to respond with joy.
This rejoicing stems from recognizing God's presence, His purpose, and His provision within that specific day. It's a choice to trust His sovereign hand, even when circumstances are difficult. The gladness isn't necessarily about outward happiness, but a deep, abiding contentment rooted in God's finished work and ongoing presence.
c. 4th-2nd Century BC— this verse
Temple Services and Festivals Flourish
The Second Temple period sees the consolidation of worship practices and the importance of pilgrimage festivals, like the Feast of Tabernacles.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, His atoning death, and glorious resurrection are seen by many as the ultimate fulfillment of messianic prophecies and a new day of salvation.
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." — This verse isn't just about celebrating any good day; it's about recognizing the divine appointment behind it. It's a reminder that the specific moments of triumph and joy we experience are not a…
