February 27
Reading: Psalm 117
1 Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 117 is the fifth song in the Egyptian Hallel and the shortest psalm in the psalter. To this day it is part of the Passover Seders sung every year. Though short, Psalm 117 delivers a powerful message. It begins and ends with “Halleluia to Yahweh.” In English this is translated, “Praise the Lord.”
Who is it that is invited to praise the Lord? Here we get to the essential message that this little psalm adds to the Egyptian Hallel. All the nations are to praise God. All peoples are to extol Him. For this reason, this psalm is quoted, along with other Old Testament texts, by Paul in Romans 15:8-12 to show that God’s plan has always been for the Gospel to reach to all peoples in all nations.
For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.
As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50)
And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43)
And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” (Psalm 117:1)
And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” (Isaiah 11:10)
God’s plan has always been to extend His salvation to people of every nation of the earth.
Why are people of every nation invited, even commanded, to praise Him? Verse 2 gives us two reasons. First, there is the “hesed” of the Lord, translated “steadfast love.” This is God’s promised commitment to keep His covenant to those He loves and has made His own. If you trust Him, He will not let you go. God loves His children. Second, there is “the faithfulness of the Lord.” This could just as well be translated “the truth of the Lord.” Everything God says is absolutely true and remains true forever. In this sense the Word of God never changes. Though all the earth may say otherwise, you can believe what God says, wherever you may live.