Psalm 117, Hallelujah All Nations!

This is the fifth of six Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) that are recited in synagogues at various Jewish holiday (such as Passover.) This is the shortest chapter in the Bible, a mere two verses. Thus this blogpost is also short, about 200 words.

Psalm 117:1-2a, All nations

 Praise the LORD, all you nations; 

extol him, all you peoples.

 For great is his love toward us, 

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. 

This very short song focuses on a global vision, calling all nations, Jews or Gentiles, to praise and thankfulness to YHWH for his eternal love and faithfulness to mankind. I am reminded of the New Testament passage, Revelation 7:9-10, that has people of every tongue and tribe worshiping God because of the actions of Messiah Jesus. Indeed, Paul quote this psalm in Romans 15:11.

The short psalm provides examples of classic parallelism. The two lines of first one repeat the emphasis on the nations praising YHWH while the next two lines build on the character of God as it relates to human beings.

Psalm 117:2b, Hallelujah

Praise the LORD.

This short Hallel psalm ends as it began, with hal·lū yāh (Hallelujah.)

First published October 25, 2025; updated October 25, 2025