Psalm 117:1

Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol Him, all you peoples!

Study Bible

Praise the LORD
The Hebrew word for "praise" here is "הלל" (halal), which means to boast, celebrate, or commend. This word is the root of "Hallelujah," a universal call to worship. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the divine name "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This call to praise is not just a suggestion but a command, highlighting the worthiness of God to receive honor and glory from all creation. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the supreme ruler over all the earth, deserving of worship from every corner of the globe.

all you nations
The Hebrew word for "nations" is "גוים" (goyim), which typically refers to Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. This is significant because it underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the inclusivity of His call to worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, deities were often seen as tribal or national gods, but here, the psalmist proclaims that YHWH is the God of all nations. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of the Gospel being for all people, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that through his seed, all nations would be blessed.

extol Him
The word "extol" is translated from the Hebrew "שבח" (shabach), which means to laud, glorify, or speak highly of. This is a call to vocalize admiration and reverence for God, going beyond mere acknowledgment to enthusiastic proclamation. The act of extolling is not just personal but communal, inviting all peoples to join in the chorus of praise. This reflects the biblical theme of worship as a public declaration of God's greatness, meant to inspire and draw others into the experience of His majesty.

all you peoples
The term "peoples" in Hebrew is "לאמים" (leummim), which, like "nations," refers to various ethnic groups and tribes. The repetition of the call to both "nations" and "peoples" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's call to worship. It suggests a vision of unity among diverse groups, all coming together to honor the one true God. This anticipates the eschatological vision found in Revelation, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gather before the throne of God. Historically, this would have been a radical notion, challenging the exclusivity of religious worship in the ancient world and pointing to the future hope of reconciliation and unity in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Nations (Hebrew: ???????, goyim)
Refers to all ethnic groups and peoples outside of Israel, highlighting the universal call to worship God.

3. Peoples (Hebrew: ???????, amim)
A term that can refer to groups within nations, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's call to worship.

Teaching Points

Universal Call to Worship
God's invitation to worship is extended to all nations and peoples, reflecting His desire for a global community of worshipers.

Unity in Diversity
The call for all nations and peoples to praise God highlights the unity that can be found in diversity when centered on worshiping the one true God.

Mission and Evangelism
This verse underscores the importance of sharing the Gospel with all nations, as God's praise is meant to be declared universally.

God's Sovereignty and Worthiness
The command to praise and extol God is rooted in His sovereignty and worthiness, reminding us of His supreme authority and goodness.

Joyful Obedience
Praising God is not just a duty but a joyful response to His love and faithfulness, encouraging believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Psalm 117:1 challenge our understanding of who is called to worship God?

2. In what ways can we participate in the global mission to invite all nations to praise the LORD?

3. How does the inclusion of all peoples in worship reflect God's character and His plan for humanity?

4. What practical steps can we take to foster unity among diverse groups within our own communities in light of this verse?

5. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of joyful obedience and praise in our daily lives, as encouraged by Psalm 117:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 15:11
Paul quotes Psalm 117:1 to emphasize the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of God, showing the fulfillment of God's plan for all nations.

Revelation 7:9
This vision of a multitude from every nation worshiping God connects to the universal call in Psalm 117:1.

Isaiah 56:7
God's house is described as a house of prayer for all nations, aligning with the call for all peoples to praise Him.