- What three groups are mentioned in Psalms 118:1-4; have these groups been described in earlier Psalms?
- In the Hallel, Psalms 118:5 begins a new passage; why have the liturgists segregated the first 4 verses of the Psalm from the balance?
- Is it arrogant to say (as the translation has it in Psalms 118:6) “the Lord is on my side”; or should it be rendered the Lord is “mine”, i.e. I recognize Its authority and potency?
- Who might the author be when reference is made to “all nations have beset me” — or is the individual form an artistic device to describe Israel?
- Do the anthropomorphisms represent a “materialization” of God or, rather, a poetic expression?
- Does Psalms 118:18 seem to be properly placed in this Psalm speaking, as it does, of being “punished with severity”?
- According to Psalms 118:19-20 who passes through “God’s gates”?
- What was the stone that the builders rejected (Psalms 118:22) which has now become the chief cornerstone?
- In the Hallel tefillah, how does Psalms 118:25 appear — and how do Psalms 118:26-29 appear?
- Why, in your thinking, would the liturgists have divided this overall Psalm into three parts?
