Psalms 117:1

THE SHORTEST PSALM

‘O praise the Lord!’

Psalms 117:1

This is the shortest of the Psalms, but is honoured by being quoted by the Apostle Paul as a link in his chain of argument that God meant His salvation for the whole race (Romans 15:11). True that God’s mercy was great toward Israel, that it might stream thence to the whole world of men, that all nations should praise Him.

I. When God entrusts special illumination and gifts to any individual or family, it is not for their exclusive possession or emolument, but that they should diffuse and spread its blessing.—Some are gifted with the physician’s insight into disease and knowledge of the curative art, not that they may keep their own body in health, but that they should fill their days and nights with labours on the behalf of others. So with insight into God’s love and grace, so of all knowledge of the penalty of sin and the finished work of Atonement. All this is communicated to chosen vessels that they may bear the water of life to those who are pining away with thirst. The Jews abused their prerogative and misread God’s purposes in election; and their city was overthrown and themselves scattered. Always in the history of the world the same fate has befallen those who have used for themselves God’s gift for the race. Where are now the sites of the early churches of Christianity? Ask the desolate ruins of Asia Minor and North Africa!

II. Note the combination of loving-kindness which prevails (as the word might be rendered), and of God’s Truth, or Troth, i.e. His faithfulness.—His love is always consistent with His truth, and based on it; and not only are we saved in accordance with the promptings of over-abounding grace, but grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life. ‘Praise ye the Lord!’ What reader of this psalm will go forth to teach the nations to praise our God?

Illustrations

(1) ‘It is the shortest of all the Psalms, consisting of two verses, that is, of four lines. But in some respects it is as striking and full of teaching as most of the other psalms. It is the world-wide Flag of the Redeemer’s Empire; and it is boldly raised in Jerusalem, centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. Be it remembered, that it was one of the psalms forming the Hallel sung at the Feast of the Passover, and, therefore, sung by the Lord Jesus on the night of His betrayal.’

(2) ‘This brief psalm speaks of mercy and truth. Note how these two are brought out in Romans 15:8, before the direct relation in Romans 15:11.’