Psalm 117: Shortest Psalm in Bible

Introduction: Psalm 117 holds unique significance as the shortest chapter in the Bible, yet its profound message can resonate throughout the ages. It invites all nations and people to join in a divine symphony to praise the Lord. The chapter contains two verses: Psalm 117:1 calls on all nations to praise the Lord, and Psalm 117:2 highlights God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. This outline will delve into the depths of these two verses, cross-referencing other biblical texts to shed light on this divine symphony.

I. Praise Invitation to All Nations (Psalm 117:1)
In Psalm 117:1, the Psalmist invites all nations and peoples to praise the Lord. This universal call suggests the inclusiveness of divine love and salvation. It breaks the ethnic and national boundaries, further emphasizing God’s grand plan for all humanity.

1. Psalm 86:9 supports this universal call, stating that all nations will worship and glorify the Lord.
2. Revelation 7:9-10 shares a vision of a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, praising God for salvation.
3. Isaiah 45:22 also resonates with this theme as God invites all the ends of the earth to turn to Him and be saved.

II. The Reason for Praise: Divine Love and Faithfulness (Psalm 117:2)
Psalm 117:2 provides the reason for this universal praise – God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. His love and faithfulness are not ephemeral but endure forever, providing an unending reason for praise.

1. This concept is echoed in Psalm 136, where each verse ends with the refrain: “His love endures forever.”
2. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God’s love and mercies are new every morning, a testament to His unending faithfulness.
3. 1 Corinthians 1:9 further reinforces the concept of God’s faithfulness, stating that God is faithful and has called us into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

III. The Significance of Divine Universal Praise (Psalm 117)
The two verses of Psalm 117, though short, offer a succinct summary of the Psalter’s themes: universal praise, divine love, and enduring faithfulness. The call to all nations to join the divine symphony of praise testifies to God’s inclusive love and salvific plan for all humanity.

1. Matthew 28:19 supports this, as Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations, highlighting the universal dimension of God’s plan.
2. Romans 15:11 echoes the call for universal praise that Psalm 117 embodies, urging both Jews and Gentiles to glorify God.
3. Ephesians 2:18 affirms this universal access to the Father, indicating that through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Conclusion: Psalm 117 captures the essence of the Biblical narrative: a universal invitation to praise God for His unfailing love and faithfulness. This call transcends cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries, reinforcing the concept that God’s steadfast love and faithfulness extend to all nations. The divine symphony of universal praise, as outlined in Psalm 117, echoes throughout the biblical narrative, testifying to God’s inclusive salvation plan for all humanity.