Psalms 117
Universal Call to Worship
1Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
2For his loving kindness is great toward us. The LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible, consisting of just two verses that issue a universal call for all nations and peoples to praise the LORD. The psalm provides two foundational reasons for this worldwide worship: God's great loving kindness toward his people and his eternal faithfulness. This brief but profound hymn emphasizes the global scope of God's reign and the universal obligation to acknowledge his character and deeds.
Context
This shortest psalm serves as a bridge between the longer praise psalms surrounding it, reinforcing the theme of God's universal sovereignty found throughout Psalms 113-118.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1Universal Call to PraiseAll nations and peoples are summoned to praise and extol the LORD.
- 2Reasons for PraiseGod's great loving kindness and eternal faithfulness provide the basis for universal worship.
Universal Call to Worship
117:1–117:2A brief universal call for all nations and peoples to praise the LORD for his great loving kindness and eternal faithfulness.
structural
Despite being the Bible's shortest psalm at only two verses, Psalm 117 uniquely addresses "all nations" and "all peoples" with Hebrew terms *goyim* and *le'ummim* that typically refer to Gentiles, making it remarkably inclusive for ancient Israelite literature.
Psalms 117:2
Psalms 115:18lexicalbut we will bless the LORD, from this time forward and forever more. Praise the LORD!
Psalms 106:48lexicalBlessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the…
Psalms 146:10lexicalThe LORD will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language