| O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. |
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This is the shortest Psalm, it is also the shortest chapter in the Bible. There is nothing unique to the Psalm in that in the three sentances there isn't a thought that is not expressed elsewhere in the Psalms. It is quite likely the Psalm was penned in honor of a special occassion or event as are many of the Psalms but to say what the event was would only lead to speculation. Nevertheless, the scope of the Psalm is lovely in its praise of YAH. The LORD's praise should be universal and we should pray for this as instructed by Jesus: "hallowed be thy name". This seems to be the lone though of the Psalm, praise, praise. The reason all mankind ought to praise the LORD is for His lovingkindness and truth. The phrase "all ye people" or "all peoples" at the end of verse 1 points to the new covenant because at this time nationa Israel were God's chosen people. This is affirmed as we see the same language in Psalm 117:1 used by Paul in Romans 15:
"For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" (Deuteronomy 4:7,8).
"And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people." (Romans 15:11).
God's lovingkindness or mercy is great toward His children, it prevails over them. Praise the LORD, our abundant helper:
"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 146:5-10).
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