Where can I find Psalms 118:24?

Psalms 118:24 is found in Psalms, chapter 118, verse 24.

What Does Psalms 118:24 Mean?

Q: What is the main theme of Psalms 118:24?

The primary theme of Psalms 118:24 is divine sovereignty. Why declare joy on what might be the worst day of your life? The psalmist writes these words not from a mountaintop of blessing, but surrounded by enemies who had nearly destroyed him (verses 10-13). Yet here stands a profound theological truth: every sunrise comes as God's fresh creation, regardless of circumstances.

Psalms 118:24 meaning: how to find joy and purpose in difficult days when circumstances don't warrant celebration

Divine sovereigntyday · LORD hath made · rejoice · glad

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King James Version

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Clear Bible Translation

Modern English

This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Verse Analysis

Why declare joy on what might be the worst day of your life? The psalmist writes these words not from a mountaintop of blessing, but surrounded by enemies who had nearly destroyed him (verses 10-13). Yet here stands a profound theological truth: every sunrise comes as God's fresh creation, regardless of circumstances. The Hebrew word 'asah' (made) suggests active, intentional crafting—the Lord didn't just allow this day to happen, He personally fashioned it with purpose. This isn't naive optimism but radical trust, choosing to see divine sovereignty even when human perspective screams otherwise. The psalmist moves from passive observation ('this is the day') to active decision ('we will rejoice'), demonstrating that biblical joy stems not from favorable conditions but from recognizing whose hands hold time itself.

These words conclude the Great Hallel (Psalms 113-118), sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. Immediately before this declaration, the psalmist recounts being surrounded by hostile nations 'like bees' and nearly perishing (verses 10-12). The dramatic shift from describing mortal danger to proclaiming joyful celebration creates a literary crescendo. Following this verse, the psalm moves into the famous 'Hosanna' passage (verse 25) that crowds would later shout during Jesus's triumphal entry.

Written by an unknown psalmist, likely during the post-exilic period when Israel faced ongoing threats from surrounding nations. The communal language ('we will rejoice') suggests use in temple worship during times of national uncertainty.

Read the full chapter: Psalms 118 →

Thematic Connections

Jeremiah 29:11 →Also explores divine sovereignty
Romans 8:28 →Connects divine sovereignty with providence
Psalms 46:10 →Also explores divine sovereignty
1 Peter 5:7 →Connects divine sovereignty with divine care

Bible Verses About God's Sovereignty Bible Verses About Joy Bible Verses About Worship

Applying This to Daily Life

When depression, loss, or overwhelming circumstances make gratitude feel impossible, this verse offers a different starting point than feelings. Instead of waiting to feel thankful, we can choose to acknowledge God's active presence in crafting even difficult days for purposes we cannot yet see.

Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

That person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in season and keeps its leaf from withering, and their way prospers. The ungodly are not like that; they are like chaff driven by the wind. The psalm ends by saying the ungodly do not stand in the judgment or remain among the righteous, because the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly perishes. Psalm 2: The Anointed King This psalm speaks about nations and rulers stirring up unrest and setting themselves against the LORD and against his Anointed. They speak as if they can break free from God's rule, as though his bonds can be thrown off. The LORD who sits in the heavens responds with scorn and speaks in his wrath. He declares his king set upon Zion, and the Anointed speaks of the decree: he is called the Son and is given the nations for an inheritance. The psalm warns kings and judges to be wise, to serve the LORD with fear, and to rejoice with trembling, ending with a call to honor the Son and a statement that blessed are all who trust in him. Psalm 3: A Psalm of David (Fleeing from Absalom) A Psalm of David, when he flees from Absalom his son. David speaks of many enemies rising up against him and many voices saying there is no help for him in God. He describes pressure on every side and the shame those words bring. David then speaks directly of the LORD as his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts up his head. He says he cries to the LORD and receives an answer from God's holy hill, and he lies down and sleeps because the LORD sustains him. He says he is not afraid though tens of thousands set themselves against him, and he calls on the LORD to arise, asking for deliverance and blessing for God's people.

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Key Questions Answered

What is the main theme of Psalms 118:24?: The primary theme is divine sovereignty. Related themes include joy and worship and trust.
Why is Psalms 118:24 significant?: When depression, loss, or overwhelming circumstances make gratitude feel impossible, this verse offers a different starting point than feelings. Instead of waiting to feel thankful, we can choose to acknowledge God's active presence in crafting even difficult days for purposes we cannot yet see.
Where can I find Psalms 118:24?: Psalms, chapter 118, verse 24. Read Psalms 118 →

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