Psalms117
English Standard Version
1 the Lord, ! him, !
2 is his us, and the of the Lord . the Lord!
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 117.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: All people called upon to praise God. (1-2).
vv1-2
Here is a solemn call to all nations to praise the Lord, and proper matter for that praise is suggested. We are soon weary of well-doing, if we keep not up the pious and devout affections with which the spiritual sacrifice of praise ought to be kindled and kept burning. This is a gospel psalm. The apostle, Ro 15:11, quotes it as a proof that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentile nations, and that it would be entertained by them. For many ages, in Judah only was God known, and his name praised; this call was not then given to any Gentiles. But the gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations, and by him those that were afar off are made nigh. We are among the persons to whom the Holy Spirit here speaks, whom he calls upon to join his ancient people in praising the Lord. Grace has thus abounded to millions of perishing sinners. Let us then listen to the offers of the grace of God, and pray for that time when all nations of the earth shall show forth his praises. And let us bless God for the unsearchable riches of gospel grace.
Key Words
הָלַל: to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גּוֹי: a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
שָׁבַח: properly, to address in aloud tone, i.e. (specifically) loud; figuratively, to pacify (as if by words)
אֻמַּה: a collection, i.e. community of persons
כִּי: (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גָּבַר: to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
חֵסֵד: kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶמֶת: stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Cross References
Psalms 117Explicitly quoted by Paul to prove the prophetic calling of the Gentile nations to praise God.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Connects Christ's ministry to the truth and mercy of God, confirming promises made to the fathers.
Supported by John Calvin
Links the Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy to the Old Testament praise passages.
Supported by John Calvin
Prophesies that all nations shall come and worship before the Lord and glorify His name.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallels the dual themes of the Lord's mercy and everlasting truth.
Repeats the urgent call for all peoples and nations to praise God.
An eschatological fulfillment of all nations coming to worship and glorify God's name.
Associates God's truth to Jacob and His mercy to Abraham as enduring attributes.