The Hidden Truths Found in Psalm 117

 Today's Scripture: Psalm 117 &   1 Thess 4:13-18 

 Did you know Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm and also the shortest chapter in the whole Bible? It is part of what is known as the Hallel of the Psalter. The Psalter has various collections of songs in it, and Psalms 113-118 forms one section known as the Hallel, which means "Praise." These psalms praise God for his salvation from sin and death, and speak of One who will bring this salvation. 

On the surface, Psalm 117 appears to be geared completely toward praising God. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find it has a hidden meaning for everyone.

The Hallel (from the familiar word “hallelujah”) is sung before and after the Passover meal. So, it’s very likely Jesus and His disciples sung this song in the upper room on the night Jesus was arrested. I personally love to keep that in mind whenever I read these psalms.

Psalm 117 begins with a global invitation.

        Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. (117:1)

It begins with a command to praise the Lord. But the command isn’t directed to the Jews, but to all the people of the earth. Knowing that this psalm was sung during the Passover, why would it hold a command for all the people of the world? 

Is God indicating His salvation goes beyond the borders of Israel here?

This command to the Gentiles may be an attempt to cause the Jewish nation to look back at God’s original intent for all mankind going back to Adam and Eve. We know that God longs to draw everyone to Himself. 

But, I also believe this command is causing them to look ahead, to the ultimate fulfillment of His salvation plan during the Tribulation, for God can clearly see the end as well as the beginning of time. Revelation 21 says,

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God….”

One day, there will be a new heaven and earth, and the new city of Jerusalem will descend from the third heaven where God is. This will be the moment when His salvation plan is completed. His offer of eternal life is for both the Jew and the Gentile (Romans 1:16), and God is making this abundantly clear here in verse 1 hundreds of years before the Messiah appeared, God is revealing His plans for all people.

The Reason for Praise 

For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord! (117:2)

Following God’s command comes the explanation of His invitation. The psalmist actually gives us two reasons to respond to Him—His merciful kindness is great, and His truth endures forever.

Paul references this one verse several times throughout his ministry to help drive home the point that God’s plan of redemption is for everyone; one example is found in Romans 15:11, but what I found really cool in chapter 15 of Romans is how Paul pulls out other verses from the Old Testament to drive home to his readers that God has always intended to include the Gentles in His plans for redemption:

Romans 15:10/Deuteronomy 32:43: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants and render vengeance to His adversaries. He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

Romans 15:9/2 Samuel 22:50: “Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles and sing praises to Your name.”

Romans 15:12/Isaiah 11:10 “And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.”

I can’t help but to think of the cross and all Jesus has done on our behalf as I meditate on this psalm and the subsequent ones that make up the Halle, and knowing Jesus sang these verses with His disciples the night He was to be arrested and crucified. He knew God had a plan of redemption for everyone from the very beginning of time and He was about to fulfill it. 

His great love for us and faithfulness will indeed endure forever (117:2), so that we can also be assured of knowing He has everything already worked out for the end of time as well, when Jesus will comes again for all God's people. 

Let me ask you:

_ How is your praise life? How easy is it for you to praise the Lord? 

_ How does it make you feel knowing that you were on His mind and in His heart at the very beginning of time? 

_ How does it make you feel to know that you were never an afterthought; that He has always planned for you to spend eternity with Him? 

_ Have you gained the assurance of your salvation? (If you're not sure, please ask me.)

Let's pray:

Abba, Father, You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. With my whole heart I want to praise you, God. You are our Messiah, the soon and coming King. You are omniscient and  know all things. You saw the end of times and the very beginning and everything in between. You are omnipresent; everywhere at all times. You are our Peace, our Protector, and the High Priest who became our Redeemer and Sacrifice forever. You came and died to set me free. You rose again and gave us victory over death. No longer are we enslaved in sin, for You are our Salvation, Rescuer and our Refuge. You give us hope! And the assurance we can trust in.

O Lord, You have made a way for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Lord, I love that you delight in me and that you rejoice over me with singing. You know the number of hairs on my head, and you are always thinking of me. You are preparing a place for me so that one day I will live with You forever. I pray one day I will be able to praise the way you truly deserve. Amen.

Blessings,

Sue