The Lord Will

Psalms 117

Old Testament · King James Version

Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, is a universal call to praise. All nations and peoples are invited to worship because the LORD's steadfast love is powerful and his faithfulness endures forever.

1

O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

2

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

Context

A compact Hallel hymn of only two verses. Its universal scope extends praise beyond one people without authorizing coercion, cultural domination, nationalism, or erasure of distinct identities.

Themes & application

  • Universal praise
  • Nations and peoples
  • Steadfast love
  • Faithfulness
  • Worship

Let the psalm widen worship beyond tribal boundaries. Invite rather than coerce, honor human dignity and cultural difference, and ground praise in God's steadfast love and enduring faithfulness rather than political or cultural supremacy.

Key verses

Psalm 117:1

All nations and peoples are summoned to praise the LORD.

Psalm 117:2

The reason for praise is God's strong steadfast love and enduring faithfulness.

Common misreadings of Psalms 117

Misreading: The call to all nations authorizes forced conversion or religious domination.

In context: The verse is a summons to praise, not permission for coercion, conquest, harassment, or suppression of conscience.

Misreading: Universal praise requires cultural uniformity.

In context: The psalm names nations and peoples as such; universality need not erase distinct identities.

Misreading: The psalm gives one nation or culture spiritual superiority over others.

In context: Its scope expands praise to all peoples and centers God's character, not human supremacy.

Cross-references

  • Romans 15:11 — Paul cites Psalm 117:1 while discussing the inclusion of the nations in praise.
  • Psalm 67:3–5 — A related call for peoples and nations to praise God.

Frequently asked questions about Psalms 117

Why is Psalm 117 important despite being only two verses?
Its brevity concentrates a major biblical theme: all peoples are called to praise because God's steadfast love and faithfulness endure.
Does Psalm 117 support forced conversion?
No. A universal invitation to praise does not authorize coercion, violence, cultural erasure, or suppression of conscience.

Sources & editorial notes

Translation
Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 117 text used by the site (en).
Authorship
The psalm heading does not name an individual author; the commentary does not assign one beyond the text.
Editorial process
Synthesis checked against the psalm's two-verse structure and safeguards around coercion, nationalism, cultural supremacy, and identity erasure.

References

  • Psalm 117 — Primary text and literary structure.
  • Romans 15:11 — Later canonical citation of Psalm 117:1.

Author: The Lord Will Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Ugo Candido · Updated: 2026-08-22