The Central Chapter of the Bible

 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Ps. 118:8). 

We all have our favorite psalms that we run to for comfort in times of distress, worship and prayer. Recently, I have been in awe of Psalm 118, which if you’ve never studied in-depth, is worth your time.

First, consider these amazing facts. Pslam 118 is called by scholars “The Center of the Bible.” The longest chapter of the Bible falls just after this center chapter - Psalm 119. The shortest chapter of the Bible falls just before this chapter - Psalm 117. There are exactly 594 chapters before Psalm 118, and exactly 594 chapters after it. When you add the number of chapters before Psalms 118 and those after, the sum is 1,118. And the verse at the very center of the Bible is Psalms 118:8.

The central verse of the Bible challenges believers to put their confidence in the Lord rather than the things of this world, which offer only temporary safety. Its rather amazing that the core of the Bible reminds us that our lives had better be “centered” on the Lord or else our faith is misplaced. It’s as if this Psalm is asking us, “Who or what is the central pillar holding up the structure of your life?”   

Notice the term “refuge” in 118:8. That makes us think of a shelter from the storms of life or a fortress from the attacks of an enemy. Worldly people put their trust in their riches, their accomplishments, science and technology, the government or their own righteousness to give them security. But the Bible reminds us that none of these institutions will last. Earthly riches are susceptible to rot, robbers and rust (Mat. 6:19-20). Man’s best works are as filthy rags compared to God’s glory (Is. 64:6). The philosophers and sages are intellectual beggars whose lectures have as much substance as soap bubbles floating in the wind (Ecc. 1:16-17). Empires rise and fall and the names of their mighty kings are forgotten (Dan. 2:21), while man-centered religion is like drinking from a broken cistern (Jer. 2:13).

Also of note in Psalm 118 is how it prophetically points to Jesus. This psalm was often sung by ancient Jews during the Passover celebration and many scholars think it likely that Psalm 118 is what Jesus sang with the disciples on the night before his crucifixion (Mat. 26:30). Recall, that Psalm 118:26 was recited by the adoring crowds on the day Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem (Mat. 21:9). On Sunday, they championed Him, but by the end of the week, the same crowd cried “crucify Him.”

Indeed, Christ was the “stone which the builders rejected” according to 118:22. The Lord quoted from this verse in reference to himself after teaching the Parable of the Tenants (Mat. 21:42).  Peter also quoted this verse in relationship to Christ – pointing out the irony. The discarded stone that the Jewish people saw as flawed and useless, has now become the chief cornerstone in the grand masterpiece of the Church (1 Pet. 2:4-7). Right now, God is building a grand cathedral of redemption from the refuse of the world.

Psalm 118 not only looked to Calvary and the church age, but also ahead to Christ’s conquest. Upon Jesus’ return He will destroy the nations of the earth at the climactic battle of Armageddon, which verses 118:10-11 allude to. Then we will witness His victory procession as Jesus enters the gates of Jerusalem to rule and reign for 1,000 years of unparalleled peace and prosperity, “19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord” (see also. Ps. 24:7-10). On that awesome day, the church shall sing the chorus of Ps. 118:23-24, “This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”