Psalms 117

1 alleluia confitemini Domino quoniam bonus quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius

2 dicat nunc Israhel quoniam bonus quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius

3 dicat nunc domus Aaron quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius

4 dicant nunc qui timent Dominum quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius

5 de tribulatione invocavi Dominum et exaudivit me in latitudinem Dominus

6 Dominus mihi adiutor non timebo quid faciat mihi homo

7 Dominus mihi adiutor et ego despiciam inimicos meos

8 bonum est confidere in Domino quam confidere in homine

9 bonum est sperare in Domino quam sperare in principibus

10 omnes gentes circumierunt me et in nomine Domini *quia; ultus sum in eos

11 circumdantes circumdederunt me in nomine autem Domini * quia; ultus sum in eos

12 circumdederunt me sicut apes et exarserunt sicut ignis in spinis et in nomine Domini * quia; ultus sum in eos

13 inpulsus eversus sum ut caderem et Dominus suscepit me

14 fortitudo mea et laudatio mea Dominus et factus est mihi in salutem

15 vox exultationis et salutis in tabernaculis iustorum

16 dextera Domini fecit virtutem dextera Domini exaltavit me dextera Domini fecit virtutem

17 non moriar sed vivam et narrabo opera Domini

18 castigans castigavit me Dominus et morti non tradidit me

19 aperite mihi portas iustitiae ingressus in eas confitebor Domino

20 haec porta Domini iusti intrabunt in eam

21 confitebor tibi quoniam exaudisti me et factus es mihi in salutem

22 lapidem quem reprobaverunt aedificantes hic factus est in caput anguli

23 a Domino factum est istud hoc est mirabile in oculis nostris

24 haec est dies quam fecit Dominus exultemus et laetemur in ea

25 o Domine salvum fac o Domine prosperare

26 benedictus qui venturus est in nomine Domini benediximus vobis de domo Domini

27 Deus Dominus et inluxit nobis constituite diem sollemnem in condensis usque ad cornua altaris

28 Deus meus es tu et confitebor tibi Deus meus % es tu; et exaltabo te confitebor tibi quoniam exaudisti me et factus es mihi in salutem

29 confitemini Domino quoniam bonus quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius

Psalms 117 Commentary

Chapter 117

All people called upon to praise God.

- 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.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 117

The inscription of this psalm in the Syriac version is,

``it is said concerning those of the house (or the companions) of Ananias, when they came out of the furnace; likewise it foretells the calling of the Gentiles by the declaration of the Gospel.''

Which last is right; for the apostle has quoted it, to prove the Gentiles should glorify God for his mercy, Ro 15:9,11. Aben Ezra thinks it concerns only the nations subdued by David; but he quotes R. Moseh, as of opinion that all nations are comprehended: and Kimchi affirms that the psalm belongs to the times of the Messiah; and supposes there is a mystery in its consisting of two verses only; and that it intimates that in those times there will be two people that will serve the Lord; Israel, with the law; and the Gentiles, with the seven precepts of Noah. It certainly refers to Gospel times, and to the conversion of the Gentiles; and when Jews and Gentiles should make one people, and be partakers of the same privileges and blessings; receive the same doctrines, submit to the same ordinances, and be under the same law, to Christ their King.