What does "This is the day the Lord made" mean? Introduction to the Phrase Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse commonly appears in both worship settings and personal devotions as an expression of gratitude toward God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life. To understand its significance, we will explore the immediate context of Psalm 118, its broader use in biblical writings, and the theological implications for daily living. Context Within Psalm 118 Psalm 118 belongs to a group of psalms known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113–118). These psalms were traditionally sung during Jewish festivals, especially Passover (see Matthew 26:30). Psalm 118 celebrates God’s deliverance of His people, praising Him as their refuge and strength. 1. Historical Setting: Scholars note that Psalm 118 was likely sung upon returning from exile or after a significant victory or deliverance. The immediate context emphasizes God’s steadfast love, a recurring theme in the psalm (Psalm 118:1, 2, 3, 4, 29). 2. Literary and Worship Context: The psalm is structured as a communal and personal thanksgiving, punctuated by declarations of confidence in God’s enduring love. The phrase “This is the day the LORD has made” underscores the celebration of God’s active intervention in history. 3. Highlighting Covenant Faithfulness: The psalmist points to how the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God is reaffirmed through deliverance. The repeated thanksgiving (“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever,” Psalm 118:1) sets the stage for recognizing God’s control over every “day” of their journey. Meaning of “This is the day the LORD has made” 1. Divine Ownership of Time: The wording affirms that every day belongs to God (cf. Genesis 1:14–18). The psalmist ascribes creation and sovereignty over the procession of days to the Creator (Psalm 118:24). Unlike human perspective where a “day” is ordinary, here it is declared as divinely purposed. 2. A Specific Occasion of Deliverance: In its original context, the phrase likely refers to a particular day of triumph or the celebration of God’s faithfulness. The day was set apart as a memorial of God’s saving acts. 3. Invitation to Rejoicing: The second half of the verse features the exhortation: “we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It is both a declaration and an encouragement. Recognizing God’s handiwork leads naturally to gratitude. Messianic Overtones 1. Link to the Stone the Builders Rejected: Psalm 118:22 states, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” In the New Testament, Jesus is repeatedly identified as this cornerstone (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7). Consequently, “This is the day” can also reference the salvation and triumph that come through Christ’s resurrection. 2. Fulfillment in Christ: The Gospels record Jesus quoting Psalm 118 to illustrate His own rejection and ultimate vindication (Matthew 21:42). Early Christian communities would have heard “This is the day the LORD has made” as anchored in the reality of Christ’s victory over death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). 3. Resurrection Emphasis: The culmination of Christ’s work—His resurrection—can be greeted with the same celebratory statement: “This is the day the LORD has made.” Since the Resurrection Day inaugurated a new covenant reality, every day for the believer becomes a reflection of God’s grace and redemption (Romans 6:4). Application for Daily Life 1. Recognition of God’s Providence: The phrase underscores that God’s faithfulness extends into every moment. Believers can approach each new day with thanks, assured that God is present and at work (Lamentations 3:22–23). 2. Invitation to Worship: Psalm 118 is often used in corporate worship, reminding congregations that their gathering is a response to the saving work of God, both historically for Israel and ultimately in Christ. It can be a powerful call to focus on God in every circumstance. 3. Encouragement in Trials: In behavioral terms, regularly acknowledging that “this” day is fashioned by God fosters resilience. Instead of despair, one finds hope in God’s overarching plan (Romans 8:28). 4. Cultivating Gratitude and Joy: The repeated instruction to “rejoice” implies that contentment and joy are not contingent solely on external factors but on recognizing the Lord’s sovereignty. This daily posture of rejoicing shapes character and perspective. Practical Reflection 1. Morning Devotions: Many believers incorporate Psalm 118:24 into morning routines to start the day with an affirmation of gratitude. This practice helps set a tone of worship. 2. Festive Celebrations: Historically tied to festivals, this verse remains relevant in modern celebrations (e.g., Easter, commemorations in personal or church contexts) as a reminder of divine authorship over redemptive weeks and seasons. 3. Spiritual Confidence: Drawing from the psalm’s overarching theme, “the day the LORD has made” points us to God’s trustworthiness. As the psalmist repeatedly testifies, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid” (Psalm 118:6). Broader Biblical Consistency 1. God as Creator of All Days: Genesis 1 affirms that days—like all creation—come into being by God’s command. Thus, the assertion that a day is “the day the LORD has made” aligns across Scripture with God’s role as Creator. 2. Promise of Ongoing Redemption: Verses in Lamentations 3:22–23 remind us “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” This equals a parallel concept: each day is birthed by God’s mercy. 3. Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions: The scriptural call to “rejoice and be glad” has both a vertical dimension (worship of God) and a horizontal dimension (living out joy and fellowship among people). One day under God belongs to the entire community of faith. Historical and Cultural References 1. Jewish Tradition: This psalm was recited during major feasts, notably Passover, when the Jewish people recalled God’s mighty intervention during the Exodus. Archaeological findings (such as ancient synagogue inscriptions referencing the Hallel Psalms) underscore how deeply rooted these passages are in Jewish and early Christian worship. 2. Early Church Usage: Early Christian writings and homilies refer to Psalm 118 when pointing to Christ’s resurrection. The continuity seen in manuscripts and church fathers indicates a longstanding recognition of the psalm’s celebration of divine deliverance. Conclusion “This is the day the LORD has made” conveys both an immediate context of celebration for a historical act of divine deliverance and a timeless acknowledgment that each day is ordained by God. Within the flow of biblical teaching, it is a clarion call to rejoice in the Creator’s sovereignty and faithfulness, ultimately fulfilled most powerfully in the Resurrection of Christ. Each believer can echo the psalmist’s words, embracing every day—whether peaceful or trying—with the knowledge that God’s presence stands at the center of it. The verse invites a posture of ongoing worship, gratitude, and an ever-deepening trust in the One who breathes purpose into every moment of life. |
    |