Ps. 118

1) In many ways this psalm is a template for all of Holy week. it is a great example of how the placement of it on different days drastically affects our reading and what passages jump out at us. see vv. 25-27 for Palm Sunday, v. 17 for Easter-
2) This is thought to be a liturgy for entrance to the temple. It is part of the Egyptian hallel set. It is possible that these are linked to the hymns after the last supper's Passover meal.
3) The stellar pastor in Crawfordsville, IN, Rev. Dr. John Van Nuys, as been working with this material in relation to actually entering the temple. He speculates on the liminal experience of moving through the crowds to the entry ways and then moving from dark to light, from constricted to open space, the basics of a liminal experience.One can examine reconstructions of Herod's great temple project on-line. A nice model is in Paula Frederickson's book, King of the Jews.
4) Hosanna-literally save us, or a general shout of acclaim appears here. does its appearance in the Eucharistic liturgy affect your reading? (25-6)

5)v. 22 is frequently cite din the NT. Why do you think it was used? What does it mean to you now?
6) when do you need a sense of God being on your side? when can this be fraught with danger?
7) Notice that it is is framed by the same phrase at start and closing.
8) when has refuge in God been better than confidence in mortals (v.8) again, when could this pose problems?
9) How is this psalm a template for testimony/witnessing to life with God? (See Long's book on testimony or Anna Carter Florence on witness in preaching)Again, what difficulties are posed by this practice when it moves toward arrogance or even delusion?