Psalms 117:1
Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 117:1
Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just a general call to worship; it's a prophetic declaration that God's praise will break through every national and ethnic barrier. The use of two different, strong verbs for "praise" emphasizes the enthusiastic and outward expression required, not just from one people, but from all humanity, indicating a radical inclusivity in God's plan.
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, bursting with a universal call to worship. It's not just for one nation, but for every single people on earth, foreshadowing a time when God's goodness and faithfulness will be known and celebrated by all humanity, a truth later echoed by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.
When you think of worship, who comes to mind? Just your church group? Your nation? This psalm shouts a different message.
Everyone is Invited
Psalms 117 is incredibly short, just two verses, but it packs a cosmic punch! It starts with a command, repeated for emphasis: "Praise the LORD, all nations! Praise him, all peoples!" This isn't a suggestion; it's a divine directive to every single nation, every single people group on earth.
Think about the context of the Old Testament. For so long, God's special covenant was with Israel. But this psalm throws open the doors. It declares that God isn't just the God of one nation; He is the God of all nations. The blessings and truth of God aren't meant to be hoarded; they're for global proclamation.
Why should everyone praise God? What makes His character so worthy of global adoration?
The Two Pillars of Praise
Psalms 117 doesn't leave us guessing why all nations should praise God. The second verse, though not in your specific text, provides the crucial foundation: "For his steadfast love is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD endures forever."
These two qualities – God's immense mercy (or steadfast love) and His eternal truth – are the fuel for worship.
When the whole world recognizes the depth of God's kindness and the certainty of His promises, the response is overwhelming praise. It's a joyful, inevitable reaction to who God is.
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
Psalm 117's universal call to praise transcends its Israelite origins, becoming a pivotal text for early Christians who saw it as a prophecy fulfilled in the inclusion of all nations into God's family through Jesus.
c. 10th Century BC
Davidic Kingdom and Temple Worship
The Psalms, including Psalm 117, originated during or after the united monarchy of Israel, a time when Jerusalem and its Temple were the center of Israelite worship and national identity.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians marked a profound crisis, scattering many Israelites and raising questions about God's relationship with them and the nations.
c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Allows Return
The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great allowed exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, marking a shift in geopolitical power and a new era for Jewish identity.
c. 2nd Century BC
Hellenistic Period and Diaspora
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and language spread, leading to a significant Jewish diaspora throughout the Mediterranean world, increasing interaction between Jews and Gentiles.
This passage echoes the universal call to worship, stating God's house shall be called a 'house of prayer for all peoples,' directly expanding on the theme of nations uniting in praise.
Luke 2:32Simeon's prophecy about Jesus being 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' and the 'glory of your people Israel' directly links the fulfillment of God's plan across nations with the praise called for in Psalm 117.
Romans 15:11The Apostle Paul explicitly quotes Psalm 117:1 to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom and their participation in praise is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Revelation 7:9This vision of the redeemed shows a vast multitude 'from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages' singing praises to God, picturing the ultimate realization of Psalm 117's global call to worship.
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 verse isn't just a general call to worship; it's a prophetic declaration that God's praise will break through every national and ethnic barrier. The use of two different, strong verbs for "praise" emphasizes the enthusiastic and outward expression required, not just from one people, but from all humanity, indicating a radical inclusivity in God's plan.
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, bursting with a universal call to worship. It's not just for one nation, but for every single people on earth, foreshadowing a time when God's goodness and faithfulness will be known and celebrated by all humanity, a truth later echoed by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.
This is the shortest psalm in the entire Bible, bursting with a universal call to worship. It's not just for one nation, but for every single people on earth, foreshadowing a time when God's goodness and faithfulness will be known and celebrated by all humanity, a truth later echoed by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.
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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.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Early Christian Mission to Gentiles
The New Testament, particularly the Apostle Paul's writings, explicitly cites Psalm 117:1 as a prophecy of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people through Christ, breaking down ancient barriers.
"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!" — This verse isn't just a general call to worship; it's a prophetic declaration that God's praise will break through every national and ethnic barrier. The use of two different, strong verbs for "prais…