Psalm 117:1-2

 

Psalm 117:1-2

The shortest Psalm of all 

This Psalm is not only the shortest in the Psalter, but it is also the shortest chapter in our Bibles. As you will recall, Psalms 111 – 118 form the “Hallel”, a series of songs and poems that were used at celebrations throughout the Jewish year, in particular, Passover. This Psalm 117 was the seventh and it may be that it was added as a kind of “Hallelujah” that concluded the preceding six Hallelujah Psalms. 

 

V1-2    Notice that the Psalm begins with an injunction to all the nations to “Praise the Lord.” Then we are given two reasons for so doing, one is the greatness of the love of the Lord and the other is His faithfulness. What commentators have noted is that the Bible often orders the nations of the world to sit up and take note, for all our destinies are tied up with Israel. Whatever God is doing for His ancient people, affects every nation, tribe and family and individual throughout the world. 

Let me quote from Psalm 47:8-9; “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.”

Psalm 102:15-16 says, “The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere Your glory. For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in His glory.” 

How foolish it is for the leaders of our world to ignore the Lord and to press on with their pointless plans. How foolish to ignore or disdain Israel and the ancient people who are called by His name. How foolish they are to pursue their own purposes and goals with no reference to the God of gods who always has the last word. Thank God that we know him and are able to recognise his love and faithfulness that endure forever. “Praise the Lord!”

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