Bible Commentary

Psalms 117:1-2

Matthew Henry on Psalms 117:1-2

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Here is a solemn call to all nations to praise the Lord, and proper matter for that praise is suggested. We are soon weary of well-doing, if we keep not up the pious and devout affections with which the spiritual sacrifice of praise ought to be kindled and kept burning.

This is a gospel psalm. The apostle, Ro 15:11, quotes it as a proof that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentile nations, and that it would be entertained by them. For many ages, in Judah only was God known, and his name praised; this call was not then given to any Gentiles.

But the gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations, and by him those that were afar off are made nigh. We are among the persons to whom the Holy Spirit here speaks, whom he calls upon to join his ancient people in praising the Lord.

Grace has thus abounded to millions of perishing sinners. Let us then listen to the offers of the grace of God, and pray for that time when all nations of the earth shall show forth his praises. And let us bless God for the unsearchable riches of gospel grace.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:1-2EXPOSITION IT has been doubted whether this exceedingly short psalm can ever have been in tended for a separate composition, and was not rather written as a conclusion to Psalms 116:1-19. or an introduction to Psalms 11…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:1O praise the Lord, all ye nations; or, "all ye Gentiles," as in Romans 15:11. The goim are especially the heathen nations of the earth (comp. Psalms 2:1, Psalms 2:8; Psalms 9:5, Psalms 9:15, Psalms 9:19, Psalms 9:20, et…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:1God in national life. "Laud him, all ye people" (Revised Version). This psalm was called by the Puritans the "Dunbar Psalm," because Cromwell, the lord-general, when at the foot of Doon Hill, after the battle of Dunbar,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:2For his merciful kindness (or, his mercy) is great towards us; literally, has been great over us. The appeal is to history, and the mercy intended is that shown in God's continual protection of Israel. And the truth of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:2God's merciful dealings with nations. The psalmist, no doubt, refers to the character of God's dealings with Israel, but he implies that they do but present a model of God's dealings with all nations; and he calls upon…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:2Truth regarded as reliability. "The truth of the Lord endureth for ever." The term "truth" is constantly employed without a well-defined and precise meaning. Truth sometimes only means that which seems true to a particu…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 117:2Praise. "Praise ye the Lord." It may be interesting to inquire what "praise" is; and what are the proper forms and features of human praise as offered to God. What praise does God reasonably demand? And what praise is m…Joseph S. Exell and contributors