Psalms — Chapter 117

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1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

1O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples.

2For his lovingkindness is great toward us; And the truth of Jehovah [endureth] for ever. Praise ye Jehovah. Psalm 118

1Praise the Lord, all you nations. Applaud him, all you foreigners.

2For his loyal love towers over us, and the Lord’s faithfulness endures. Praise the Lord.

1Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!

2For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!

Summary
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
Videos
Reflection

Summary

The shortest psalm and chapter in the Bible — a two-verse call for all nations to praise the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness that endure forever.

Authorship & Background

Author: Multiple authors — primarily David (73 psalms attributed), plus Asaph (12), Sons of Korah (11), Solomon (2), Moses (1), Heman (1), Ethan (1), and anonymous. The Psalter was compiled over approximately 1000 years and served as Israel's hymnal and prayer book. The book is divided into five 'books' (1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150), paralleling the five books of Moses. Key themes: worship, lament, praise, trust, kingship, creation, wisdom, Messianic prophecy, and the full range of human emotion brought before God.
Classification: Hymn of Praise / Hallel Psalm Attributed Author: Anonymous Key Themes: Universal praise from all nations, God's mercy (hesed) toward His people, God's eternal truth, the brevity and completeness of praise
Historical Context: Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible — only 2 verses, 33 words in Hebrew. Yet it carries enormous theological weight. It is also the middle chapter of the Bible (with 594 chapters before it and 594 after). It calls ALL NATIONS and ALL PEOPLES to praise Israel's God — making it one of the most universalist statements in the Old Testament. Paul quotes this psalm in Romans 15:11 as proof that God always intended to include the Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Despite its brevity, it contains both reasons for praise: God's hesed (merciful kindness/steadfast love) and His emet (truth/ faithfulness). Small psalm, infinite theology.
Structure:
  • Universal Call to Praise (v.1)
  • Reason for Praise: Hesed and Emet (v.2a)
  • Closing Hallelujah (v.2b)

Map & Geography

  • No specific geographic locations are referenced in this chapter.

Videos

The Bible Project — Psalms Overview

Reflection

  • 1. The shortest chapter contains the widest scope. Two verses encompass all nations, all peoples, infinite love, and eternal truth. Sometimes the most profound truths need the fewest words.
  • 2. God's love prevails (v.2). His hesed doesn't merely reach you — it OVERPOWERS you, conquers your resistance, overwhelms your unworthiness. You cannot out-sin His love.
  • 3. All nations will praise (v.1). This is prophetic. One day every tongue will confess. The church's mission to all peoples is fulfilling what this tiny psalm declares.
  • 4. Truth endures forever (v.2). In an age of relativism and shifting "truths," God's truth stands forever. Unshakeable, unchanging, enduring through every generation.