Though Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm, it packs a powerful punch. Its first verse is quoted by the apostle Paul in Romans 15 as a proof text of his inspired declaration that Jewish and Gentile Christians ought to “receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God” (v. 7), because “Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy” (vv. 8-9). The eternally purposed mystery “which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men” is that “the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” as the Jews (Ephesians 3:4-6). Therefore, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” (Psalm 117:1).
The fulfillment of this wondrous plan of salvation which has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2:16) has come through the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). This is the same note sung in Psalm 117:2—”For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
