Psalm 117

Introduction.—Ps. 117 is an invitation to all nations to praise the Lord for His merciful kindness to His people. It is the shortest of the psalms, nevertheless lofty in its theme. “Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel. … Psalm 117” (DA 672).

In the LXX the “hallelujah” closing Ps 116 begins Ps. 117. Likewise the “hallelujah” closing Ps. 117 begins Ps. 118.

1. All ye people. No tribe or nation is omitted in the glorious invitation to praise the Lord. Paul quotes the words of this verse, showing that in Christ God’s mercy has been extended to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews (Rom. 15:11).

2. Merciful kindness. Heb. chesed, “divine love” (see Additional Note on Ps. 36).

Is great. Heb. gabar, “to excel.”

Truth. Heb. Хemeth, a word denoting “firmness,” “trustworthiness,” “stability,” “faithfulness,” as well as “truth.” These attributes of God are as eternal as God Himself. In the midst of human instability and insecurity the child of God may rest securely in God’s love.

Praise ye the Lord. The psalm concludes with another “hallelujah.”

Ellen G. White comments

1, 2 DA 672