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 quotes this psalm in Romans 15:11.

The short psalm provides examples of classic parallelism. The two lines of verse 1 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.)

It has been suggested that this short psalm formed a chorus that might have been sung with other songs.

First published October 25, 2025; updated October 25, 2028