Psalm Category: Public praises to God

Central Thought: Boast in the Lord!

Key Words: Praise, nations, lovingkindess, truth

Good things do, indeed, come in small packages. And it is humbling to know that we will spill more ink in explanation than the psalmist did in exultation. Still, even small gifts must be opened and unpacked.

The Pinnacle of Praise. The theme of public praise continues in Psalm 117 as part of The Hallel, which means “The Praise” (Psalms 113-118). The Old Covenant saints used these in their major festivals, including the Passover. Therefore, Jesus sang the songs that spoke of Him (Luke 24:44), and He did so immediately prior to His final sufferings.

This psalm is the most complete summary of the psalter, which itself is a summary of the Scriptures as a whole. Therefore it urges, with both invitation and command, the praise of God (vv. 1-2). And it deals with three subjects: what praise is, who must praise, and why we must praise the Lord.

What Is Praise? The psalm begins and ends with exhortations to praise the Lord. The word used is the very familiar “Hallelu-Jehovah” (v. 1) and the short form, “Hallelu-Jah” (v. 2). But, what is praise? An essential sense of it is proudly boasting. Some boast in their weapons, but we boast in our Lord (Ps. 20:7); and those who humble themselves by boasting in God rejoice in this (34:2). It is not enough to not be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). We must “brag on” the mighty works of our God infinitely more than the exploits of our favorite team. We may rightly boast, “That’s my boy!” when our son does well. We must surely boast, “That’s my Lord!” as we speak of God’s works and words. Do you?

The parallel word is similarly challenging. “Laud” (v. 1) means joyfully congratulate. When a friend does well, we rush to shake her hand and congratulate her. When works like the Grand Canyon open before our eyes, we rightly lift our voices and cry, “Well done, Lord!”

Who Must Praise the Lord? Everyone who considers the wonderful works of God must praise Him! The psalmist does so and urges everyone around to join him (v. 1). Christ has accomplished this universal praise (Isa. 49:6) and the Spirit applies it (Acts 2), inspiring Paul to use this tiny psalm in preaching it (Rom. 15:11; see vv. 9ff.). “All nations” (v. 1, goyim) refers to every individual who is not part of the Old Covenant people of God. “All peoples” (v. 1; Rev. 7:9) emphasizes this by referring to any and every kind of group that is not part of Israel. Therefore, everyone is urged, invited, and commanded to praise the Lord (see Rom. 10:12).

Why Must All Praise the Lord? Distillation captures the essence of something, and this psalm does so by reaching to the core of God’s revelation of Himself. “Lovingkindess and truth” are set as a pair in the Hebrew word order and bring us back to Exodus 34:6 (see Ps. 115:1), where God showed Moses His glory. “Lovingkindness” is a word filled to overflowing. “Covenant faithfulness” is a good rendering but, if we permit ourselves a longer expression, “unconditional love in loyal commitment to do good” comes closer. The gospel in a word! (Hebrew, not English!) The climax of Romans 8:31-39 is a wonderful elaboration of this overwhelming goodness of God to those who trust Him. It is a very hard heart that does not melt under such consuming love!

Who is the Object of this Love? “Toward us” (v. 2) could include nations and peoples (v. 1) with the psalmist or it could be calling the nations to praise the Lord for His goodness to Israel (Ps. 126:1-3). Either way the Gentiles, by means of praising the Lord, participate in these benefits, directly or indirectly (Rom. 15:11; Eph. 2:11ff.).

The word “great” (v. 2) carries the sense of immense and effective. Whatever your weakness, God’s lovingkindness is infinitely stronger. Whatever your sin, the forgiveness of sin and giving of righteousness in God’s lovingkindness is infinitely greater. Whatever your sorrow, the joy of God’s lovingkindness in Christ is infinitely more effective. The word “truth” (v.2) emphasizes that the Lord’s lovingkindness is absolute, unchangeable and eternal. Therefore, it is also “everlasting” (v. 2).

Boast in the Lord! We must praise the Lord because He alone is infinitely, eternally and unchangeably able and willing to save us. The glory of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit are proofs of this (Acts 2; Rom. 15:11). Praise the Lord for His lovingkindness and truth, and urge everyone around you to join you in this. Boast in the Lord, and congratulate Him, for His mighty deeds in Christ! (1 Cor. 1:31).

—Kit Swartz