Psalms 118:1-4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

O give thanks unto the Lord All sorts of persons, which are expressed particularly in the next three verses, as they are mentioned in like manner and order Psalms 115:9-11, where see the notes. Let Israel After the flesh, all the tribes and people of Israel, except the Levites. Let the house of Aaron The priests and Levites, who were greatly discouraged and oppressed in Saul's time, but received great benefits under David's government. Let them that fear the Lord The Gentile proselytes, of whom there were greater numbers in David's time than formerly had been, and were likely to be still more. Say, that his mercy endureth for ever Not only in the everlasting fountain thereof, God himself, but in its never failing streams, which shall run parallel with the longest lines of eternity; and in the vessels of mercy, who will be for ever monuments of it. Israel, and the house of Aaron, and all that fear God, were called upon, Psalms 115., to trust in him. Here they are called upon to acknowledge his goodness, and join in the same thankful song, thus encouraging themselves to trust in him. Priests and people, Jews and proselytes, must all confess that his mercy endureth for ever; that they have had experience of it all their days, and that they confide in it for good things that shall last to all eternity.