The temple in Jerusalem was a holy place. It was not meant for everyone to enter, especially to the most sacred places, because of its holiness; only righteous people could enter. Psalm 118 includes a demonstration of how people typically entered the temple. “Open to me the gates of righteousness,” the person outside the temple…

Psalm 118 starts out as an introduction to worship. The leader and the people are speaking to one another. The theme of the worship is clear from the first verse on: “His steadfast love endures forever!” As the worship continues, a speaker comes forward and gives his testimony. “Out of my distress I called on…