Psalm 118:14-29
The Second Sunday of Easter, Year C
The Stone That Sings
Psalm 118:14–29
Opening Reflection
This is the song of someone who has been through it—and lived to tell the story.
It’s not naïve joy. It’s resurrection joy—the kind that comes after fear, after pain, after the walls nearly closed in. The psalmist has been surrounded, struck down, and preserved. Now they sing.
It’s no wonder this passage became one of the Church’s favorite Easter psalms. When Jesus is described as “the stone the builders rejected,” this is where the line comes from. Rejection isn’t the end of the story. Resurrection is.
Context
Psalm 118 is part of the Hallel—a set of psalms (113–118) sung during Passover and other festivals. These were songs of deliverance and communal joy. Verses 14–29 focus on personal salvation turning into public celebration.
The New Testament writers quote this psalm multiple times, especially verse 22:
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
It’s a reminder that what the world discards, God builds with.
Read the Passage
Psalm 118:14–29 (NLT)
14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.15 Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!16 The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!17 I will not die; instead, I will live
to tell what the Lord has done.18 The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not let me die.19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord.20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.21 I thank you for answering my prayer
and giving me victory!22 The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.23 This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.24 This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.25 Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.27 The Lord is God, shining upon us.
Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.28 You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Key Insights
Resurrection Is Personal - “I will not die, but live.” These are the words of someone who has come back from the edge. This isn’t abstract theology—it’s survival turned praise.
Rejected Doesn’t Mean Unused - The cornerstone image is radical. What people tossed aside, God used as the foundation. That’s resurrection thinking. That’s gospel imagination.
Praise Is Public - This is not a quiet thank-you. It’s processional. Communal. Loud. Cymbals, shouts, and rejoicing. Healing may be private, but thanksgiving never stays that way.
Guiding Question
Where in your life is God building something new from something that was once rejected?
Reflections & Resources
A Plain Account on Psalm 118:14-29
John Holbert reflections on Psalm 118:14-29
