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Psalms 117

BSB·2 verses ·Old Testament
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1Praiseהַֽלְל֣וּhal·lū — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְ֭הוָהYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, all youכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → nationsגּוֹיִ֑םgō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →! Extol Himשַׁ֝בְּח֗וּהוּšab·bə·ḥû·hû — To praise loudly; to commend or triumphH7623 — Full Word Study →, all youכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → peoplesהָאֻמִּֽים׃hā·’um·mîm — nation, people, communityH523 — Full Word Study →! 2Forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → great isגָ֘בַ֤רḡā·ḇar — to be strong, prevail, overcomeH1396 — Full Word Study → His loving devotionחַסְדּ֗וֹḥas·dōw — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study → toward usעָלֵ֨ינוּ׀‘ā·lê·nū — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, and the faithfulnessוֶֽאֱמֶת־we·’ĕ·meṯ- — Truth; faithfulness; reliability; what is established and sureH571 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֥הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → endures foreverלְעוֹלָ֗םlə·‘ō·w·lām — forever, eternity, perpetual durationH5769 — Full Word Study →. Hallelujahהַֽלְלוּ־hal·lū- — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study →!
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Chapter Commentary — Psalms 117
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the entire Book of Psalms, yet it carries enormous spiritual weight. In just two verses, the psalmist issues a universal call to praise the Lord, inviting all nations and peoples to join in worship. This brief but powerful hymn celebrates God's merciful kindness and eternal truth, making it a profound statement about God's character and His desire for worship from every corner of creation. The psalm reminds us that praise is not limited to Israel alone, but extends to all humanity.

Verses 1-2: A Universal Call to Praise

The psalmist opens with an emphatic and inclusive invitation: "O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people." Notice the repetition of the command to praise—this is not a timid suggestion but a bold, urgent call. The phrase "all ye nations" and "all ye people" emphasizes universality. The psalmist is declaring that every nation on earth, regardless of their location or background, should join in praising the God of Israel. This is remarkable in an Old Testament context, as it points toward the gospel's eventual reach to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The reason for this universal praise is then given: "For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever." The Hebrew word translated "merciful kindness" is chesed, which conveys covenant love, steadfast love, and faithful compassion. This is not a distant, impersonal divine attribute, but a warm, personal kindness directed toward God's people. The psalmist also emphasizes God's truth—His reliability and faithfulness. Unlike human promises that fade with time, God's truth endures forever. This eternal consistency gives us absolute confidence in His character.

Practical Application: Consider how the psalmist moves from the universal call (verses 1a-1b) to the personal reason (verse 2). We praise God not because we must, but because His merciful kindness is great toward us personally, and His truth is eternal. When you struggle to worship, remember these two truths: God's covenant love is directed toward you, and His promises will never fail.

Verse 2 (Conclusion): "Praise ye the LORD"

The psalm concludes where it began, with the refrain "Praise ye the LORD." This repetition bookends the entire psalm and reinforces the central command. The Hebrew word Hallelujah (Praise the Lord) becomes the great motto of worship throughout Scripture. By ending with this exhortation, the psalmist leaves the reader with an unmistakable takeaway: the response to God's merciful kindness and eternal truth must be praise.

Practical Application: Note how the shortest psalm packs the most essential message about worship. We don't need elaborate arguments to worship God—we simply need to remember who He is (merciful and truthful) and what He has done (shown us kindness). Simplicity in praise is often the most powerful.

Application for Today

Psalm 117 calls modern believers to embrace both the universality and the intimacy of worship. God's merciful kindness is extended to the whole world, yet it is also personally directed toward you. In a fractured world of competing loyalties and shallow praise, we are invited to join voices with believers across all nations in genuine adoration of the eternal God. Let this shortest of psalms be a daily reminder: God deserves the praise of every nation because His merciful kindness is great toward us, and His truth endures forever. Make praise your response today.

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