Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a general call to worship; it's an intentional, repeated command using slightly different words. This repetition emphasizes that God's praise isn't meant to stay within one group but is a profound invitation and expectation for all of humanity.
Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, acting as a powerful prelude to the psalms that follow. It's a resounding call for all peoples, not just Israel, to celebrate God. This vision of global worship, anticipating the inclusion of Gentiles in God's praise, sets the stage for the subsequent reflections on God's immense mercy and enduring faithfulness.
Have you ever felt like worship is just for a select few? This psalm throws that idea out the window!
Right from the start, Psalms 117 calls out to every nation and every people. This isn't just a Jewish invitation; it's a global broadcast!
A World Awakened
Think about it: before Jesus, God's special covenant was primarily with Israel. But this short, powerful verse looks forward, envisioning a time when the Good News would break down every barrier. It’s a prophecy that all people, regardless of background, will one day unite in praising God.
The Heart of the Message
When the New Testament quotes this verse, it's to show that God’s plan was always bigger than one nation. He desires a praise that echoes across the globe, a testament to His boundless love and faithfulness reaching everyone.
Why should everyone praise God? This psalm gives us the compelling reasons, and they're foundational to our faith.
Psalms 117 doesn't just command praise; it hints at the reason for it. While verse 1 is the command, verse 2 (often studied together) provides the 'why': God's mercy and truth.
Boundless Mercy
God’s mercy isn't a limited resource. It's abundant, steadfast, and intended for all humanity. This kindness is the reason nations should sing His praises. It's the grace that extends beyond our understanding, offering forgiveness and restoration.
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Unfailing Truth
Alongside His mercy, God's truth endures forever. His promises are reliable, His character is unchanging. This faithfulness gives us a firm foundation for our trust and our worship. We can praise Him because we know He is true to His word, always.
The Foundation for Praise
These two qualities – immense mercy and eternal truth – are the bedrock of our relationship with God. They are the wellspring from which all genuine praise flows, a praise that resonates across all cultures and times.
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew verb 'halal' primarily denotes to boast, rave, or celebrate with enthusiasm. It is the root of the word 'Hallelujah,' meaning 'praise Yahweh,' and signifies an intentional, outward expression of joy and adoration toward God's character and works.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who enters into a relational bond with His people.
goyim · Hebrew Noun
Often used in the context of the 'goyim,' this refers to the distinct ethnic and political groups of humanity. Biblically, it highlights that God's sovereignty and salvation purpose extend beyond Israel to encompass the entire human race.
shabach · Hebrew Verb
This verb literally means to lift up, praise, or commend highly. In a biblical context, it involves magnifying the reputation and glory of God before others.
le'omim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the distinct groups, tribes, or clans that make up humanity. It emphasizes the breadth of God's audience as He calls all human beings to respond to His majesty.
This New Testament passage directly quotes Psalms 117:1, highlighting its prophetic significance for the inclusion of Gentiles in God's praise. It shows how this ancient psalm points forward to the global reach of the Gospel.
Revelation 7:9This vision of heaven depicts a vast multitude from 'every nation, tribe, people, and language' worshipping God and the Lamb. It's a breathtaking fulfillment of the psalm's call for all nations to praise the Lord.
Isaiah 49:6This prophecy speaks of the Servant of the Lord being a light to the Gentiles, so that salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. It resonates with the universal call to praise found in Psalms 117, emphasizing God's plan for worldwide redemption.
Matthew 28:19Jesus' Great Commission commands his followers to go and make disciples of 'all nations.' This echoes the spirit of Psalms 117, directing believers to spread the message of God's praise to every corner of the globe.
gillPsalms 117:1: "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."
O praise the Lord, all ye nations,.... The Lord having chosen, and Christ having redeemed, some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; and the Gospel being sent and preached to all nations, and some of each being called and converted by the Spirit of God; they are excited to praise the Lord, Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit, for their several acts of divine grace and kindness towards them, in choosing, redee…
poolePsalms 117:1: "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm contains a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, as appears both from the matter of it, and from Romans 15:11 , where it is quoted to that purpose. An exhortation to all nations to praise God for his mercy and truth’s sake. Acknowledge the true God, and serve him only, and cast away all your idols.
This isn't just a general call to worship; it's an intentional, repeated command using slightly different words. This repetition emphasizes that God's praise isn't meant to stay within one group but is a profound invitation and expectation for all of humanity.
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, acting as a powerful prelude to the psalms that follow. It's a resounding call for all peoples, not just Israel, to celebrate God. This vision of global worship, anticipating the inclusion of Gentiles in God's praise, sets the stage for the subsequent reflections on God's immense mercy and enduring faithfulness.
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, acting as a powerful prelude to the psalms that follow. It's a resounding call for all peoples, not just Israel, to celebrate God. This vision of global worship, anticipating the inclusion of Gentiles in God's praise, sets the stage for the subsequent reflections on God's immense mercy and enduring faithfulness.
"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!" — This isn't just a general call to worship; it's an intentional, repeated command using slightly different words. This repetition emphasizes that God's praise isn't meant to stay within one group but…
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Last reviewed October 2026