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Psalm 117 | King James Audio Bible
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Psalm 117 is a bridge between the particular experiences of the Israelite community and universal aspects of God’s grace. By inviting all nations to participate in praise, the psalm anticipates the expansion of God’s covenantal blessings beyond confines of a single people or nation, pointing toward a more inclusive understanding of God’s kingdom.
The opening verse, ‘O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people,’ is a clarion call to collective worship. Psalm 117 explicitly reaches out to ‘all ye nations’ and ‘all ye people,’ advocating for a universal acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and goodness. This invitation to global praise not only reflects the psalmist’s vision of a world united in worship but also underscores universal relevance of God’s covenantal love and promises.
The second verse, ‘For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever,’ is the rationale for this universal call to praise. It speaks to the character of God, emphasizing two key attributes: His ‘merciful kindness’ and His eternal truth. These qualities of mercy and truth are presented as the foundation for worship, suggesting that God’s dealings with humanity are characterized by compassion and reliability. Mention of God’s mercy and truth enduring forever reassures the faithful of the unchanging nature of His character and commitment.
The psalm concludes with a simple yet profound repetition of the initial command: ‘Praise ye the LORD.’ This repetition serves as both a closure and an affirmation, reinforcing the imperative to worship and celebrate God’s enduring kindness and truthfulness.
Psalm 117 | King James Audio Bible
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 117 | King James Audio Bible
- Universal Call To Praise: The psalm invites all nations and peoples to praise the LORD, emphasizing the inclusivity of worship.
- Divine Mercy: The psalm highlights God’s merciful kindness towards humanity as a key reason for worship.
- Enduring Truth Of The LORD: The psalm stresses the everlasting nature of God’s truth as a foundation for faith and praise.
- Global Unity In Worship: The psalm suggests a vision of global unity, with all peoples united in acknowledging and celebrating God’s sovereignty.
- Timelessness Of God’s Attributes: The psalm underscores the eternal consistency of God’s mercy and truth.
- Simplicity And Profundity Of Worship: The psalm demonstrates that worship can be both simple in its expression and profound in its impact.
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