Bible Commentaries
Psalms 117

Verse 1

Psalms 117:0.

An exhortation to praise God for his mercy and truth.

THIS psalm, like the 110th, seems to be altogether prophetical of the joy which all nations should conceive at the coming of the Messiah; to give salvation first to the Jews, and then to all other nations, according to his truth, Psa 117:2 i.e. his faithful promise. See Genesis 12:3. St. Paul applies the first words of it to this purpose, Rom 15:11 and some of the Jews themselves justify this application.

REFLECTIONS.—This short psalm is full of the most blessed tidings to the Gentile world, who, in the fulness of time, should be called into the fellowship of the gospel, and with the converted Jews become one fold under one shepherd.

1. All the heathen nations are here called upon to praise the Lord: to them the gospel was to be preached; and multitudes who should yield obedience to the faith, would be admitted into the assembly of the church, and join in the songs of redeeming love.
2. Rich matter for their praises is suggested. For his merciful kindness is great towards us or hath abounded over us; kindness and mercy, vast as the waters of the deluge; abounding to the chief of sinners; extending to millions of lost souls, who accept of free and proffered grace; and securing to the faithful, pardon, strength, comfort, glory, and this eternally, because the truth of the Lord endureth for ever, and his faithfulness is engaged to make good to all faithful believers, not of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also, the promises of the everlasting covenant; therefore praise ye the Lord.