A Call to Universal Praise: Unpacking Psalm 117
Executive Summary
Psalm 117, the shortest of all the Psalms, is a powerful testament to the universality of God’s love and salvation. This psalm is a simple yet profound exhortation, urging all nations to praise the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness. It transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, inviting every person, regardless of their background, to recognize and celebrate the goodness of God. It encapsulates the promise of salvation extended to all mankind, a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox theology. Through careful examination of its verses, we will see how this psalm resonates with the broader narrative of Scripture, echoing themes of divine mercy and the calling of the Gentiles into God’s kingdom, prompting deep reflection on our role in spreading God’s glory.
Focus Key Phrase: Universal Praise
Introduction
Psalm 117, a miniature masterpiece of Hebrew poetry, serves as a clarion call to Universal Praise. In just two verses, it captures the essence of God’s covenant with humanity and the invitation extended to all nations to partake in His saving grace. Its brevity belies its profound theological weight, making it a potent reminder that worship is not confined to a single people or place, but rather encompasses the entire world. Let us delve into this psalm, uncovering the depths of its message and its relevance to our lives as Coptic Orthodox Christians today.
Commentary on Psalm 117:1
Original Hebrew: הַלְלוּ אֶת-יְהוָה כָּל-גּוֹיִם, שַׁבְּחוּהוּ כָּל-הָאֻמִּים
KJV: O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
NKJV: Oh, praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!
The psalm opens with an imperative: “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!” The word “Gentiles” (גּוֹיִם, goyim) in Hebrew refers to nations other than Israel. This is a bold declaration, signaling that God’s saving power is not limited to the chosen people but extends to every corner of the earth. This aligns perfectly with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s universal love, manifested in the incarnation of Christ, who came to redeem all of humanity. As St. Athanasius states, “Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (Autos gar enanthrōpēsen, hina hēmeis theopoiēthōmen) – “For He Himself became man, that we might become god” (De Incarnatione, 54.3). The call to “laud Him” (שַׁבְּחוּהוּ, shabbachuhu) emphasizes the active and enthusiastic nature of this praise. It’s not just a passive acknowledgment, but a vibrant expression of gratitude and adoration.
Spiritual Application: Are we actively inviting others to experience God’s love? Do our lives reflect the joy and gratitude that should characterize a life transformed by Christ? Let us be mindful of our role as ambassadors of Christ, sharing the Good News with all we encounter.
Commentary on Psalm 117:2
Original Hebrew: כִּי גָבַר עָלֵינוּ חַסְדּוֹ, וֶאֱמֶת-יְהוָה לְעוֹלָם; הַלְלוּ-יָהּ
KJV: For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
NKJV: For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
This verse provides the reason for the call to praise: “For His merciful kindness is great toward us.” The Hebrew word for “merciful kindness” (חַסְדּוֹ, chesed) signifies God’s steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His people. It’s a love that is not based on merit but on His own gracious nature. The phrase “the truth of the LORD endures forever” (וֶאֱמֶת-יְהוָה לְעוֹלָם, ve’emeth-YHWH le’olam) reinforces the eternal nature of God’s promises and His unwavering reliability. This truth is central to our Coptic Orthodox faith, giving us confidence in God’s promises even in the face of adversity. The psalm concludes with a final call to “Praise the LORD!” (הַלְלוּ-יָהּ, hallelu-Yah), a joyous affirmation of God’s goodness. As St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα” (Hē alḗtheia tou Kuriou ménei eis ton aiōna) – “The truth of the Lord endures forever” (Commentary on Psalm 117). This highlights the unwavering foundation upon which our faith rests.
Spiritual Application: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life. Where have you seen His “chesed” – His steadfast love and unwavering commitment? Let this realization fuel your own praise and gratitude, inspiring you to trust in His promises even when circumstances are challenging.
The Universality of Salvation: A Coptic Perspective
The Coptic Orthodox Church firmly believes in the universality of salvation, offered freely to all through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Psalm 117 resonates deeply with this understanding. Consider these key reflections:
- The Incarnation: Christ’s incarnation was for the sake of all humanity, breaking down the barriers of ethnicity and culture.
- The Great Commission: The Lord commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), underscoring the universal scope of the Gospel.
- The Church as a Global Community: The Coptic Orthodox Church is a global community, with parishes and dioceses spanning the world, ministering to people from diverse backgrounds.
- The Saints of All Nations: Our Church venerates saints from various nations and cultures, recognizing that holiness is not confined to a single group.
- The Liturgy: Our liturgical prayers often include intercessions for the entire world, reflecting our concern for the salvation of all.
- Love for All: The teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church emphasize love for all people, regardless of their background, reflecting the boundless love of God.
FAQ ❓
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about Psalm 117 and its significance:
Q: Why is Psalm 117 the shortest psalm?
The brevity of Psalm 117 emphasizes the core message: a simple yet profound call to all nations to praise God. Its conciseness makes it easily memorable and universally accessible, reinforcing the psalm’s theme of universal praise and God’s all-encompassing love.
Q: How does Psalm 117 relate to the New Testament?
Psalm 117 finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. The inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation is a central theme in both Psalm 117 and the New Testament. The apostle Paul quotes psalm 117 to demonstrate the inclusion of gentiles in Gods plan.
Q: What is the significance of “chesed” in Psalm 117:2?
The Hebrew word “chesed” encompasses God’s steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and unwavering commitment. It highlights that God’s love is not conditional but flows from His very nature. This assures us of His constant presence and support throughout our lives.
Q: How can I apply Psalm 117 to my daily life?
We can apply Psalm 117 by actively seeking opportunities to praise God in our daily lives, both privately and corporately. Also, through recognizing God’s unwavering love and by sharing His love with others, regardless of their background, reflecting the universality of God’s grace.
Conclusion
Psalm 117, though the shortest of all the Psalms, echoes with a powerful message of Universal Praise. It reminds us that God’s love extends to all nations and that every person is invited to partake in His saving grace. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to embrace this universality, actively sharing the Good News with those around us and reflecting the boundless love of God in our lives. May we always be mindful of His “chesed,” His steadfast love and unwavering commitment, and may our hearts overflow with praise to Him, now and forever. Amen.