Psalms 117: A Universal Call to Praise
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.
Psalms 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible, is a powerful and concise call to universal praise. Remarkably positioned near the center of the biblical text, with 594 chapters both preceding and following it in traditional divisions, this psalm, though brief, carries immense weight. In just seventeen Hebrew words, it encapsulates essential theological concepts and extends an invitation to all nations to glorify God.
A Global Summons (Psalms 117:1)
Psalms 117:1 commands, "Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!" This isn't a call limited to Israel; it's a summons to the entire world. The use of the term goyim, referring to the Gentile nations, emphasizes that God's glory should be proclaimed by every culture and people group. This universal scope is further reinforced by the phrase "all peoples," encompassing every ethnicity and tribe, echoing the vision of Revelation 7:9 where a multitude from every nation stands before the throne. The psalmist, though an Israelite, acknowledges that the God of Israel is the God of all nations, the Creator of heaven and earth, deserving of worship from every corner of the globe.
God's Steadfast Love (Psalms 117:2)
Psalms 117:2 provides the reason for this universal praise: "For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!" The psalmist highlights God's hesed, often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "merciful kindness," or "unfailing love." This hesed is a key attribute of God, repeatedly emphasized throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 5:9–10; Psalms 21:7; 103:11; Jeremiah 31:3). It signifies God's loyal, caring, and unwavering commitment to His people. Coupled with God's faithfulness that "endures forever," this verse underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant love. He demonstrates his faithful love to them (Psalms 117:2).
Hallelujah: A Fitting Conclusion
The psalm culminates in the imperative "Praise the Lord!" or Hallelujah. The Hebrew word halelu-yāh literally means "praise Jah," a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God (Exodus 3:15). This expression, found frequently in the "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113—118), serves as a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the psalm's central theme: the universal call to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
A New Testament Perspective
The Apostle Paul quotes Psalms 117:1 in Romans 15:11, highlighting its significance in the context of the gospel. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Gentiles can glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:7-11). The gospel transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting Jews and Gentiles in worship of the one true God. Because of the gospel, Jews and Gentiles are able to come together to worship God for his great salvation.
Psalms 117, though short in length, is monumental in its message. It's a timeless invitation to all people, everywhere, to join in praising the Lord for His enduring love and faithfulness. It reminds us that God's love knows no bounds and that His glory deserves the adoration of all creation.
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.
Psalms 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible, is a powerful and concise call to universal praise. Remarkably positioned near the center of the biblical text, with 594 chapters both preceding and following it in traditional divisions, this psalm, though brief, carries immense weight. In just seventeen Hebrew words, it encapsulates essential theological concepts and extends an invitation to all nations to glorify God.
A Global Summons (Psalms 117:1)
Psalms 117:1 commands, "Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!" This isn't a call limited to Israel; it's a summons to the entire world. The use of the term goyim, referring to the Gentile nations, emphasizes that God's glory should be proclaimed by every culture and people group. This universal scope is further reinforced by the phrase "all peoples," encompassing every ethnicity and tribe, echoing the vision of Revelation 7:9 where a multitude from every nation stands before the throne. The psalmist, though an Israelite, acknowledges that the God of Israel is the God of all nations, the Creator of heaven and earth, deserving of worship from every corner of the globe.
God's Steadfast Love (Psalms 117:2)
Psalms 117:2 provides the reason for this universal praise: "For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!" The psalmist highlights God's hesed, often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "merciful kindness," or "unfailing love." This hesed is a key attribute of God, repeatedly emphasized throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 5:9–10; Psalms 21:7; 103:11; Jeremiah 31:3). It signifies God's loyal, caring, and unwavering commitment to His people. Coupled with God's faithfulness that "endures forever," this verse underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant love. He demonstrates his faithful love to them (Psalms 117:2).
Hallelujah: A Fitting Conclusion
The psalm culminates in the imperative "Praise the Lord!" or Hallelujah. The Hebrew word halelu-yāh literally means "praise Jah," a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God (Exodus 3:15). This expression, found frequently in the "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113—118), serves as a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the psalm's central theme: the universal call to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
A New Testament Perspective
The Apostle Paul quotes Psalms 117:1 in Romans 15:11, highlighting its significance in the context of the gospel. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Gentiles can glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:7-11). The gospel transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting Jews and Gentiles in worship of the one true God. Because of the gospel, Jews and Gentiles are able to come together to worship God for his great salvation.
Psalms 117, though short in length, is monumental in its message. It's a timeless invitation to all people, everywhere, to join in praising the Lord for His enduring love and faithfulness. It reminds us that God's love knows no bounds and that His glory deserves the adoration of all creation.