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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 117:1–2. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
There is a great deal of gospel in this psalm. The apostle has furnished us with a key to it (Rom 15:11), where he quotes it as a proof that the gospel was to be preached to, and would be entertained by, the Gentile nations, which yet was so great a stumbling-block to the Jews. Why should that offend them when it is said, and they themselves had often sung it, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and laud him, all you people. Some of the Jewish writers confess that this psalm refers to the kingdom of the Messiah; nay, one of them has a fancy that it consists of two verses to signify that in the days of the Messiah God should be glorified by two sorts of people, by the Jews, according to the law of Moses, and by the Gentiles, according to the seven precepts of the sons of Noah, which yet should make one church, as these two verses make one psalm. We have here,
I.The vast extent of the gospel church, Psa 117:1.
For many ages in Judah only was God known and his name praised. The sons of Levi and the seed of Israel praised him, but the rest of the nations praised gods of wood and stone (Dan 5:4), while there was no devotion at all paid, at least none openly, that we know of, to the living and true God. But here all nations are called to praise the Lord, which could not be applied to the Old Testament times, both because this call was not then given to any of the Gentile nations, much less to all, in a language they understood, and because, unless the people of the land became Jews and were circumcised, they were not admitted to praise God with them. But the gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations, and by him the partition-wall is taken down, and those that were afar off are made nigh. This was the mystery which was hidden in prophecy for many ages, but was at length revealed in the accomplishment, That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, Eph 3:3, Eph 3:6. Observe here,
1.Who should be admitted into the church - all nations and all people. The original words are the same that are used for the heathen that rage and the people that imagine against Christ (Psa 2:1); those that had been enemies to his kingdom should become his willing subjects. The gospel of the kingdom was to be preached to all the world, for a witness to all nations, Mat 24:14; Mar 16:15. All nations shall be called, and to some of all nations the call shall be effectual, and they shall be discipled.
2.How their admission into the church is foretold - by a repeated call to praise him. The tidings of the gospel, being sent to all nations, should give them cause to praise God; the institution of gospel-ordinances would give them leave and opportunity to praise God; and the power of gospel-grace would give them hearts to praise him. Those are highly favoured whom God invites by his word and inclines by his Spirit to praise him, and so makes to be to him for a name and a praise, Jer 13:11. See Rev 7:9, Rev 7:10.
II.The unsearchable riches of gospel-grace, which are to be the matter or our praise, Psa 117:2.
In the gospel, those celebrated attributes of God, his mercy and his truth, shine most brightly in themselves and most comfortably to us; and the apostle, where he quotes this psalm, takes notice of these as the two great things for which the Gentiles should glorify God (Rom 15:8, Rom 15:9), for the truth of God and for his mercy. We that enjoy the gospel have reason to praise the Lord,
1.For the power of his mercy: His merciful kindness is great towards us; it is strong (so the word signifies); it is mighty for the pardon of mighty sins (Amo 5:12) and for the working out of a mighty salvation.
2.For the perpetuity of his truth: The truth of the Lord endures for ever. It was mercy, mere mercy, to the Gentiles, that the gospel was sent among them. It was merciful kindness prevailing towards them above their deserts; and in it the truth of the Lord, of his promise made unto the fathers, endures for ever; for, though the Jews were hardened and expelled, yet the promise took its effect in the believing Gentiles, the spiritual seed of Abraham. God's mercy is the fountain of all our comforts and his truth the foundation of all our hopes, and therefore for both we must praise the Lord.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
He added, “And the truth of the Lord remains forever.” Here “the truth” means “the Son of the Lord,” as he himself says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” As the Arian (who is out of his mind) thinks, there was a time when the Son did not exist (it is awful even to say this!); that would mean that there was a time when the Father was without the Truth, without the Way and without the Life. But because the Father cannot be believed to have ever been without these things, it accords well with our salvation and the truth itself to confess that the Son is coeternal and of one substance with the Father in all things.
Next comes, “And praise him highly, all you peoples.” High praise is the praise of all the faithful brought together as one; this is recognized to apply to the catholic church, which is gathered from various parts of the world. For all the Gentiles are generally reminded among their own peoples so that no one will say at the judgment of the Lord that he was passed over.
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Summary
Psalm 117:2 serves as the profound theological bedrock for the universal call to worship issued in its preceding verse, concluding the shortest psalm in the biblical canon. It declares the boundless nature of God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, alongside the eternal endurance of His truth and reliability. This verse establishes the immutable character of the LORD as the ultimate and enduring foundation upon which all creation is compelled to render Him worship and adoration.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 117, a uniquely brief two-verse psalm, functions as a powerful universal doxology within the Psalter. Its opening verse issues an imperative call for "all ye nations" and "all ye people" to praise the LORD. Verse 2 then provides the theological justification for this expansive command, articulating the specific divine attributes—God's merciful kindness (chesed) and His enduring truth (emeth)—that warrant such widespread adoration. This psalm is strategically positioned within the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover. Its inclusion here broadens the scope of praise beyond Israel, hinting powerfully at a future inclusion of all peoples in God's redemptive plan, a theme that resonates throughout prophetic literature and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.
Historical & Cultural Context
Likely composed for liturgical use, Psalm 117 reflects a period, possibly post-exilic, where the concept of God's universal sovereignty was increasingly emphasized, even as Israel remained His chosen people. The call for "all nations" to praise the LORD would have been a radical assertion in a world dominated by national deities, yet it aligns with a long-standing biblical tradition. This tradition, evident in passages like the Abrahamic Covenant's promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" found in Genesis 12:3 and the Servant of the Lord's role as "a light for the Gentiles" in Isaiah 49:6, demonstrates that God's redemptive purposes extend beyond the nation of Israel to encompass the entire world. The terms "merciful kindness" (Hebrew: chesed) and "truth" (Hebrew: emeth) are foundational covenantal terms, deeply embedded in Israel's understanding of Yahweh's character and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David.
Key Themes
Psalm 117:2 encapsulates several pivotal theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, represented by "merciful kindness" (chesed). This is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring, loyal, and active commitment to His people and His promises. This theme is central to the entire biblical narrative, from God's faithfulness to Abraham in Genesis 15:6 to His steadfast love for Israel despite their rebellion, as beautifully articulated in Lamentations 3:22-23. Secondly, the verse emphasizes God's eternal truth and reliability (emeth), signifying His unchangeable character and the unwavering validity of His word. This divine attribute undergirds all trust and hope, assuring believers that God is always consistent with Himself and His declarations, a truth powerfully echoed in Numbers 23:19. Finally, the psalm underscores the universal scope of God's worthiness of praise, asserting that His attributes are so magnificent and His actions so pervasive that all humanity is compelled to respond in worship, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel as prophesied in Psalm 22:27.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness." Derived from the root meaning to be kind or pious, chesed describes God's unwavering, compassionate, and active commitment to His covenant relationship. It is not merely a feeling but a persistent action of grace and loyalty, particularly towards those with whom He has made a covenant. In this context, it emphasizes the immense, overflowing nature of God's loyal love "toward us" (humanity).
This term denotes faithfulness, reliability, stability, and permanence. Contracted from a root meaning to be firm or established, emeth when applied to God signifies His absolute trustworthiness, consistency, and the eternal validity of His word and character. God's emeth means He is true to Himself, true to His promises, and His nature is unchangeable. The phrase "endureth for ever" explicitly reinforces this concept of eternal steadfastness and reliability, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith.
A primitive root meaning to be clear, to shine, or to make a show. In its most common usage, halal means to celebrate, commend, or boast, often with a sense of clamorous joy or exultation. It is the root from which "hallelujah" (Praise Yah!) is derived. In Psalm 117:2, the imperative "Praise ye the LORD" is a direct command to respond to God's character with enthusiastic, public adoration and glorification, a fitting culmination to the declaration of His great chesed and eternal emeth.
Verse Breakdown
"For his merciful kindness is great toward us"
This clause provides the primary and compelling reason for praise, highlighting the immense and overflowing nature of God's ḥesed. The phrase "great toward us" (Hebrew: gābar ‘ālênû, where gâbar (H1396) means to be strong, prevail, or be mighty) implies that His steadfast love is not merely present but overwhelming, prevailing, and mighty in its application to humanity. It signifies an active, powerful, and abundant demonstration of His loyal love directed specifically towards "us," encompassing both Israel and, by extension, all humanity as recipients of His common grace and potential recipients of His saving grace.
"and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever."
This second clause offers a complementary and equally foundational reason for praise. It affirms the eternal, unchanging nature of God's 'ĕmet, His faithfulness and reliability. The verb "endureth" (implied in the Hebrew, which literally reads "and the truth of the LORD forever" using ʻôwlâm (H5769) for eternity) emphasizes the perpetuity of His character. Unlike human promises or loyalties, God's truth is not subject to change, decay, or termination; it is eternally steadfast, providing an unshakeable anchor for faith and hope across generations.
"Praise ye the LORD."
This concluding imperative serves as the culmination and natural response to the preceding declarations of God's character. It is a direct command, echoing the opening call of Psalm 117:1, urging all who hear to offer worship and adoration to Yahweh (using Yâhh (H3050), a contraction of Yᵉhôvâh (H3068)). This praise is not arbitrary but a compelled, joyful, and grateful response to the profound reality of God's great merciful kindness and His eternally enduring truth, transforming theological understanding into active worship.
Literary Devices
Psalm 117:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses "For his merciful kindness is great toward us" and "and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever" express similar ideas using different but complementary terms. God's "merciful kindness" (chesed) and His "truth" (emeth) are two inseparable facets of the same divine character—His unwavering covenant faithfulness and reliability. The psalm also uses Hyperbole in the phrase "great toward us," emphasizing the overwhelming abundance and prevailing nature of God's mercy and love. The entire psalm functions as a Doxology, a short, concise hymn of praise to God, characterized by its brevity and direct call to worship. The concluding phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," is an Imperative, a direct command that serves as a climactic call to action, transforming theological declaration into an act of worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 117:2 stands as a microcosm of biblical theology, encapsulating the very essence of God's character and the appropriate human response. The twin pillars of God's "merciful kindness" (chesed) and "truth" (emeth) are not merely abstract qualities but active, relational attributes that define His covenant relationship with humanity. His chesed speaks to His unfailing love and loyal commitment, while His emeth assures us of His unwavering reliability and the eternal validity of His promises. Together, they form the bedrock of divine trustworthiness, inviting all creation to rest in His faithfulness and respond with unreserved praise. This verse thus serves as a foundational declaration that God is inherently worthy of universal adoration, not because of what humanity has done, but because of who He eternally is—a God of boundless love and unshakeable truth.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 117:2 offers a profound anchor for faith and a powerful impetus for worship in every generation. In a world characterized by fleeting loyalties, broken promises, and shifting truths, this verse reminds us that the God we serve is utterly dependable. His "merciful kindness" is not a weak sentiment but a robust, active, and prevailing love that is "great toward us," encompassing His grace, compassion, and covenant faithfulness. Knowing that His "truth... endureth for ever" provides an unshakeable foundation for our hope, assuring us that His Word is eternally reliable and His character unchanging. This understanding should cultivate deep trust, banishing anxiety and fear, and transforming our daily lives into a continuous act of praise. Our worship becomes not merely a ritual but a spontaneous, joyful overflow of gratitude for who God is and what He has done, compelling us to share this glorious truth with "all nations" so that they too might "Praise ye the LORD."
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Psalm 117 so short, and what is its significance?
Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the Bible, comprising only two verses. Its brevity, however, does not diminish its profound theological significance. It functions as a powerful, concise doxology—a hymn of praise—that encapsulates the essence of God's character and His universal claim to worship. Its brevity makes it memorable and easily recited, serving as a powerful, distilled statement of praise that can be universally applied. Its position within the Psalter, particularly as part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), suggests its liturgical importance and its role in broadening the scope of God's redemptive plan to include all nations, a theme that resonates throughout the scriptures, from the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:3 to the prophetic visions of Gentile inclusion in Isaiah 2:2-4.
What is the difference between "merciful kindness" and "truth" in this verse?
While both terms describe essential aspects of God's character, "merciful kindness" (Hebrew: ḥesed) primarily refers to God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. It signifies His unfailing devotion, compassion, and active commitment to His promises and His people. It's a love that is robust and enduring, often demonstrated through acts of grace and deliverance. "Truth" (Hebrew: 'ĕmet), on the other hand, speaks to God's reliability, faithfulness, and consistency. It means God is true to His word, His nature is unchangeable, and His promises are absolutely trustworthy. While ḥesed emphasizes God's loving action and loyal commitment, 'ĕmet emphasizes His unshakeable integrity and dependability. Together, they paint a complete picture of a God who is not only loving and gracious but also absolutely trustworthy and consistent in His character and actions, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith, as seen in Psalm 89:1-2.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 117:2 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "merciful kindness" (chesed) of God is supremely manifested in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is the embodiment of God's steadfast love, demonstrating unparalleled compassion and grace, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross—the ultimate act of divine chesed "toward us" (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, Jesus is the very "truth" (emeth) of the LORD made flesh. He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), embodying the eternal reliability and faithfulness of God. His promises are "Yes and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20), and His word is eternally enduring. The universal call to "Praise ye the LORD" in Psalm 117:1-2 is powerfully fulfilled in the New Covenant, where through Christ, "all nations" are invited into God's redemptive family (Galatians 3:8). The Great Commission to go and make disciples of "all nations" (Matthew 28:19) is the New Testament echo of this ancient call, ensuring that the praise of the LORD, rooted in His great merciful kindness and enduring truth, will indeed extend "for ever" through Christ's global church.