Psalm 117 is notably the shortest psalm, yet its message is both profound and universal. The psalmist calls on all nations and peoples to praise the Lord. The reason for this global call to worship is twofold: God’s steadfast love towards us and His enduring truth or faithfulness. Despite its brevity, the psalm captures the essence of the entire Book of Psalms by focusing on God's love and faithfulness as reasons for praise. It serves as a reminder that the worship of God is not confined to any one ethnicity or nation but is the rightful response of all people. The chapter can be seen as an encapsulation of a much broader theme that runs through Scripture, highlighting God's desire for a relationship with all of humanity.
Psalm 117
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Psalm 117
1
O
praise
Psalm 117:1 “praise”Hebrew
הַֽלְל֣וּ Translit: hallû Strong’s: H1984 Meaning: praise, boast, celebrate
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
To commend, extol, glorify, or express approbation in words or song.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
A direct call to openly celebrate and exalt the LORD with expressed praise.
the
LORD
Psalm 117:1 “LORD”Hebrew
יְהוָה Translit: yᵊhōvâ Strong’s: H3068 Meaning: Yahweh, Jehovah
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
A lord is a ruler, master, or one possessing supreme authority.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
The covenant God Himself, Jehovah, the supreme Lord to whom all praise belongs.
,
all ye
nations
Psalm 117:1 “nations”Hebrew
גּוֹיִם Translit: gôyim Strong’s: H1471 Meaning: nations, Gentiles, peoples
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same government.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
Every national people group, including the Gentile world, is summoned to praise the LORD.
:
praise him
Psalm 117:1 “praise him”Hebrew
שַׁבְּח֗וּהוּ Translit: šabḥûhû Strong’s: H7623 Meaning: laud Him, glorify Him
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
To extol, commend, or glorify with expressions of honor and approval.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
Lift Him up with vocal honor and deliberate expressions of glory.
,
all ye
people
Psalm 117:1 “people”Hebrew
הָאֻמִּים Translit: hā'ummîm Strong’s: H523 Meaning: peoples, tribes, nations
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
The body of persons composing a community, nation, or class of inhabitants.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
Every community of humanity, without exception, is included in this call to praise.
.
2
For his
merciful kindness
Psalm 117:2 “merciful kindness”Hebrew
חַסְדּוֹ Translit: ḥasdô Strong’s: H2617 Meaning: mercy, lovingkindness, covenant kindness
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
Mercy is tender favor that tempers justice. Kindness is benevolence or good will exercised toward another.
↗ Mercy | ↗ Kindness Combined sense
God’s faithful covenant love is tender, active, and graciously shown toward His people.
is
great
Psalm 117:2 “great”Hebrew
גָבַר Translit: gāḇar Strong’s: H1396 Meaning: prevail, be mighty, be strong
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
Very strong, powerful, weighty, or mighty.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
His mercy is not slight or fragile. It has prevailed over us in mighty strength.
toward
us
Psalm 117:2 “us”Hebrew
עָלֵינוּ Translit: ʿālênû Strong’s: H5921 Meaning: upon us, over us, toward us
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
Us refers to the persons included with the speaker.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
This mercy has come upon us personally. It is experienced, not just described.
:
and the
truth
Psalm 117:2 “truth”Hebrew
וֶאֱמֶת Translit: ve'ĕmeṯ Strong’s: H571 Meaning: truth, faithfulness, firmness
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
Conformity to fact or reality, exact verity, faithfulness, sincerity, and constancy.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
The LORD is utterly dependable. What He is, says, and promises stands firm.
of the
LORD
Psalm 117:2 “LORD”Hebrew
יְהוָה Translit: yᵊhōvâ Strong’s: H3068 Meaning: Yahweh, Jehovah
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
A lord is a ruler, master, or one possessing supreme authority.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
Jehovah, the sovereign covenant Lord, is the One whose truth remains unshaken.
endurethPsalm 117:2 “endureth”Hebrew
No separate Hebrew token here. Note: supplied in English for smooth translation sense.
Webster’s 1828
To last, continue, remain, abide, or bear without failing.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
The supplied English helps express that the LORD’s truth continues without fading or failing.
for
ever
Psalm 117:2 “ever”Hebrew
לְעוֹלָם Translit: lᵊʿôlām Strong’s: H5769 Meaning: forever, everlasting
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
Lasting or enduring for ever, eternal, continuing without end.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
His truth stretches onward in perpetual duration, without end.
.
Praise ye
Psalm 117:2 “Praise ye”Hebrew
הַֽלְלוּ Translit: hallû Strong’s: H1984 Meaning: praise, boast, celebrate
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
To extol, glorify, and speak honor in words or song.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
The psalm closes by renewing the command that praise rise to God again.
the
LORD
Psalm 117:2 “LORD”Hebrew
יָהּ Translit: yâ Strong’s: H3050 Meaning: Yah, the shortened divine name
↗ Expanded Def Webster’s 1828
A lord is one vested with authority, dominion, and rule.
↗ Expanded Def Combined sense
Hallelujah closes the psalm with direct honor to Yah, the LORD Himself.
.
End of Psalm 117
1 Year Plan: Oct 10 - Jer 7, Jer 8, Ps 117, Ps 118
