Psalms 117:1,2

Psalm PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 117:1. This short hymn invites all nations to praise the LORD. The Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6) is pledged to Israel but is intended for all the world; hence the Gentiles addressed are included in the word us. The calling of Israel was for the sake of the whole world (Genesis 12:2; Exodus 19:5; 1 Kings 8:41). The OT constantly expresses the hope that Gentiles will one day gladly join in worshiping the one true God (see note on Psalm 96). When Israel sang this in faith, they would recall both their privileged position (see Psalms 147:19) and their reason for existence. Paul quotes Psalms 117:1 in Romans 15:11 as part of his argument that Jewish and Gentile Christians should welcome one another and worship together (Romans 15:5): the long-awaited time has arrived.