Psalms 117:1-2·~1 min
Extol Him, All You Peoples
The entire psalm is a single movement from summons to reason: all nations and peoples are called to praise the LORD because his steadfast love is strong toward his people and his truth endures forever. The hallelujah at the close makes clear that the proper answer to enduring mercy is enduring praise.
P1raise the LORD, all you nations! 2For great is His loving devotion toward us,
Section summaryThe psalm calls all nations and peoples to praise the LORD, then explains that this universal praise is fitting because his steadfast love is mighty toward his people and his truth endures forever. It ends as abruptly as it begins, with hallelujah, leaving the reader with a praise as short as it is expansive.
Role in the chapterThis section functions as a concentrated missionary doxology. It teaches that God's enduring covenant faithfulness is not a private possession for one people to admire alone, but a public reality that summons the whole world to praise.