“Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD!” –Psalm 117:1-2
Psalm 117 is not only the shortest chapter in the book of Psalms, but it plays a significant role in the worship of the Old Testament Jews. It is part of a group of verses called the “Hallel” which consist of seven Psalms (chapters 113-118 and 136). The quantity seven is significant because it is the Jewish number for completeness and perfection. Hallel is the Jewish word for praise (it is where we get our word “hallelujah” which means highest praise).
The Hallel Psalms were (and are) recited during the Bible’s three great festivals (Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles). They are also recited on the new moon and during Hanukkah. Psalms 113-115 were sung at Jerusalem’s temple during the slaying of the animals for sacrifice to God. These Psalms are a remarkable celebration of the great acts of the Lord in delivering His people from Egypt. They point forward to the deliverance that would come through the Savior of man, Jesus Christ. In a bit of irony, they also point back to what the Savior has already done … He’s delivered us from the bondage of sin and shame.
These Psalms are a reminder of what the Lord has done for us and an expression of His great love towards us. You cannot read them and not feel a sense of thankfulness and gratefulness towards God for all He has done. They are uplifting, encouraging, eye-opening and God-inspiring. They certainly make you put your life in perspective because they focus entirely on the Lord.
The last Hallel Psalm, chapter 136, is sung at the end of Passover every year. It is called the “Great Hallel” because it is a powerful thanksgiving Psalm, focusing on God’s everlasting lovingkindness. Here are the first five verses in that chapter:
“1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
4 To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
5 To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;”
All 26 verses end with “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Do you think the Psalmist was trying to make a point?! So let us all take time and …
“26Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting”
In Christ,
Dave
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