Praise

Simple, expansive

Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, All Nations

Best for: Quick worship, missions, global prayer

Psalm 117 summary

Psalm 117 ("Praise the Lord, All Nations") is a praise psalm best read for quick worship, missions, global prayer. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible — just two verses. Yet it contains a universal call for all nations and all peoples to praise the Lord.

Overview

In its brevity, it carries an expansive vision — every tongue, every tribe, every nation praising the one true God.

Key Verses

"O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."

— Psalm 117:1 (KJV)

"For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD."

— Psalm 117:2 (KJV)

Key Themes

Universal Praise

Mercy →

Truth

Brevity

Reflection

The shortest psalm has the biggest vision: every nation, every people praising God. Sometimes the most profound truths need the fewest words. God's mercy is great; His truth endures. That's enough.

Historical Context

The shortest chapter in the Bible—just two verses—yet it contains the entire gospel in miniature: God's mercy (hesed) is great toward us, and His truth endures forever. Paul quoted this psalm in Romans 15:11 to prove that God always intended to include Gentiles in His salvation plan.

How to Apply This Today

Sometimes the most profound truths are the simplest. Two verses. One message: God's mercy is overwhelming, and His truth never changes. When theology gets complicated and faith feels heavy, return to this psalm's elegant simplicity. Praise the Lord. His mercy is great. His truth endures. That's enough.

🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 117

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! Amen.

Related Praise Psalms

Psalm 8: The Majesty of God in Creation

Psalm 8 is a hymn of wonder at God's creation and humanity's place within it. David marvels that the...

Read devotional

Psalm 19: God's Glory in Creation and His Word

Psalm 19 celebrates two great revelations of God: the natural world and the written Word. The heaven...

Read devotional

Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord

Psalm 29 is a thunderstorm psalm — a vivid depiction of God's voice echoing through creation. The vo...

Read devotional

Psalm 33: Rejoice in the Lord, O Ye Righteous

Psalm 33 calls the righteous to praise God with instruments and a new song. It celebrates God as Cre...

Read devotional

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalm 117 about?

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible — just two verses. Yet it contains a universal call for all nations and all peoples to praise the Lord. The reason: His merciful kindness is great toward us and His truth endures forever. In its brevity, it carries an expansive vision — every tongue, every tribe, every nation praising the one true God.

What does Psalm 117 teach us?

The shortest psalm has the biggest vision: every nation, every people praising God. Sometimes the most profound truths need the fewest words. God's mercy is great; His truth endures. That's enough.

What are the key themes of Psalm 117?

The key themes of Psalm 117 include: Universal Praise, Mercy, Truth, Brevity.

When should I read Psalm 117?

Psalm 117 is especially meaningful for: Quick worship, missions, global prayer. The overall mood is simple, expansive.

How can I apply Psalm 117 to my life?

Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 117

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Commentary

Psalm 150:6 Commentary

In-depth study • Universal Praise

Hymn

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Henry Francis Lyte • 1834

Devotional

Psalm 34:1 — Meaning & Devotional

Praise

Hymn

All Creatures of Our God and King

Francis of Assisi (1225); William H. Draper (1919) • 1225

Devotional

Psalm 103:1-3 — Meaning & Devotional

Praise

Devotional

Psalm 103:1 — Meaning & Devotional

Praise & Worship