Psalms · Chapter 117

Verse 1. O praise the Lord, all ye nations] Let all the Gentiles praise him, for he provides for their eternal salvation.

Praise him, all ye people.] All ye Jews, praise him; for ye have long been his peculiar people. And while he sends his Son to be a light to the Gentiles, he sends him also to be the glory of his people Israel.

Verses 1, 2. O praise the Lord, all ye nations — Let not the praises that are due to the great Lord of all, be confined to our nation; but let all people upon the face of the earth praise him. For his merciful kindness is great toward us — Toward all the children of Adam, whether carnal or spiritual, for he hath done mighty things for all mankind; and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever — The Lord, who changes not, will not fail to perform his faithful promises to the world’s end. Therefore let us all join in praises to our common Benefactor.

1. Nations… people—Terms which, in the widest sense, comprehended the whole heathen world. The apostle quotes it literally— “Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles, and laud him all ye people”—as a proof that the gospel is to the Gentiles only a confirmation of the covenant promise made to Abraham. Romans 15:11. Compare verses 8, 9; Genesis 17:4, 5; 22:18.

Verse 2. For his merciful kindness is great] rbg gabar, is strong: it is not only great in bulk or number, but it is powerful; it prevails over sin, Satan, death, and hell.

And the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.] Whatsoever he has promised, that he will most infallibly fulfill. He has promised to send his Son into the world, and thus he has done. He his promised that he should die for transgressors, and this he did. He has promised to receive all who come unto him through Christ Jesus, and this he invariably does. He has promised that his Gospel shall be preached in every nation, and this he is doing; the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. Therefore, Praise ye the Lord!

Verses 1, 2. O praise the Lord, all ye nations — Let not the praises that are due to the great Lord of all, be confined to our nation; but let all people upon the face of the earth praise him. For his merciful kindness is great toward us — Toward all the children of Adam, whether carnal or spiritual, for he hath done mighty things for all mankind; and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever — The Lord, who changes not, will not fail to perform his faithful promises to the world’s end. Therefore let us all join in praises to our common Benefactor.

2. Merciful… truth—Two distinguishing attributes in their relation to God’s promise and covenant—kingly qualities, (Proverbs 20:28,)— specially remembered and extolled by the Hebrews in their deliverance from captivity. Psalm 85:10; 89:14. Kindness is great toward us— Literally, Mercy is mighty over us. Truth… for ever—Truth to eternity.