These Psalms are Psalms of great praise. They are also sometimes called the Hallel Psalms--meaning praise.
Like Psalm 113, they were probably sung by families on the night of the Passover. Psalms 113 and 114 were probably sung at the beginning of the meal, and Psalms 115--118 at the close of the meal. They, also, must have been hymns that Jesus and the disciples sang at the Last Supper.
Psalm 114 is a song of exodus, recalling the wonders and miracles of Israel's deliverance out of Egypt.
Psalm 117 is a summons to all the people to praise the Lord, It is also the middle chapter of the Bible, and the shortest, but its two verses contain a tremendous message. They emphasize praise to the Lord by all people, for His mercy and for His truth, which shall endure forever.
Psalm 118 was Jesus' farewell hymn to His disciples as He left the Passover on His way to Gethsemane and Calvary. Note especially verse 24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.".
This is certainly a day for rejoicing. And each of us should thank our heavenly Father for the independence He has given our nation. Our nation was founded on godly principles, by a group of dedicated men who were willing to fight for freedom. God has honored and blessed our country above all countries on the face of the earth. Each of us should be thankful for the God-given privilege of being Americans.
