Psalms 117
Berean Study Bible

Extol Him, All You Peoples

Praise the LORD, all you nations!
This phrase is a call to universal worship, emphasizing that the LORD is not just the God of Israel but the God of all nations. The use of "nations" (Hebrew: "goyim") indicates a global scope, suggesting that God's sovereignty and grace extend beyond the boundaries of Israel. This anticipates the New Testament revelation that the Gospel is for all people, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and the vision of a diverse multitude worshiping God in Revelation 7:9. Historically, Israel was situated at a crossroads of ancient civilizations, which may have symbolized its role in being a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). The call to praise is prophetic, pointing to the future gathering of all nations to worship the one true God, fulfilled in the Messianic reign of Christ.

Extol Him, all you peoples!
The term "extol" means to praise enthusiastically, indicating a deep, heartfelt worship. "Peoples" (Hebrew: "le'umim") further emphasizes the inclusivity of this call, inviting every ethnic group and culture to join in worship. This reflects the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham's seed (Genesis 12:3), ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The repetition of the call to worship underscores its importance and urgency. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, worship was not only a personal act but a communal one, often involving music, dance, and sacrifice. This phrase also connects to the eschatological vision where all peoples will acknowledge God's glory, as seen in Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

For great is His loving devotion toward us
This phrase emphasizes the magnitude of God's steadfast love, often translated as "chesed" in Hebrew, which conveys loyalty, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness. This concept is central to the Old Testament, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people, Israel. The use of "us" suggests a communal aspect, indicating that God's love extends to all who are part of His covenant community. This loving devotion is seen throughout the history of Israel, from the deliverance from Egypt to the return from exile, showcasing God's consistent care and mercy. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's love through Jesus Christ, who embodies divine love and extends it to all humanity.

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever
This phrase highlights the eternal nature of God's faithfulness, a key attribute of His character. The Hebrew word for faithfulness, "emunah," implies reliability and trustworthiness. Throughout the Bible, God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His promises to the patriarchs, His covenant with Israel, and His ultimate plan of redemption through Christ. This enduring faithfulness assures believers of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfill His promises. It connects to New Testament teachings, such as in Hebrews 13:8, which states that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, reinforcing the idea of God's perpetual reliability.

Hallelujah!
This exclamation, meaning "Praise the LORD," serves as a call to worship and a response to the preceding declarations of God's love and faithfulness. It is a common refrain in the Psalms, inviting the community to join in praise and thanksgiving. The use of "Hallelujah" reflects the joy and gratitude that arise from recognizing God's attributes and actions. In the broader biblical context, this call to praise is echoed in the book of Revelation, where heavenly hosts continually worship God, underscoring the eternal nature of worship in response to God's eternal qualities.

This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com.



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