A Mighty Mini Psalm-Psalm 117
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Have you read the mini psalm--Psalm 117-- that begins with an "O," has thirty-three words in all, and is referenced by Paul in Romans? Do you recall it? It's a distinctive psalm for several reasons. Take the quiz below to find out!
Write true or false after the statement.
1. Psalm 117 is the shortest Psalm in the Psalter.
2. Psalm 117 is part of the group of Psalms known as the "Holler Psalms."
3. Psalm 117 has only three verses.
4. Psalm 117 is the middle chapter of the KJV Bible.
5. Psalm 117 is quoted by Paul in Romans 3.
6. Psalm 117 has 35 more Psalms after it.
7. Psalm 117 has 33 words in it.
8. Psalm 117 is part of Book V of the Psalms.
9. Psalm 117 has an important message for Gentiles.
10. Psalm 117 is recited on some Jewish holy days.
Find answers at the end.
Psalm 117 Stats: Book V: # of verses: two: A Hallel Psalm: Shortest Psalm: Shortest Chapter in Bible: Middle Chapter of the Bible
First Verse: "O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations (Gentiles*): praise him, all ye people."
* Gentile (or its plural) refers to people or nations other than Israel.
Final Verse: "For his merciful kindness (loving-kindness) is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD."
Notice in this Psalm that there is a call, a cause, and a conclusion. The verses: a. "For his loving-kindness and ... truth that lasts forever ..."; b. "Praise the LORD all nations, ... people; ..." c. Praise ye the LORD. Which part is the call, the cause, and the conclusion? (Willmington's Survey of the OT p.273; see below!)
Answers: The call: b. Praise the LORD... The cause: a. for his merciful kindness ... truth The conclusion: PYTL. By the way I like to write "Praise the Lord." as PTL and "Praise ye the Lord." as PYTL.
The Story: "The Draw-Bridge Lady" or "The Praise the Lord Lady!"
Many years ago, a very happy older lady would occasionally visit our church during our Sunday night gospel service. While I can picture what she looked like these many years later I can't recall her name, so because her family operated a draw bridge from Longport, NJ to the nearby city of Ocean City, I will call her "The Draw-bridge Lady."
In our PB assembly* men were free to say aloud a hearty "Amen!" But ladies did not, they stayed silent. So, when the "Draw-bridge Lady a.k.a. The Praise the Lord Lady" came it wasn't long before we heard some passionate "Praise the Lords " from wherever she was seated. For this sweet lady just could not contain herself--she had to praise the Lord.
*Plymouth Brethren
As a young girl this did not escape my notice. Ditto that for the jolly bus driver Razzi dad's special bus driver friend. And as I grew oh the joy, I found in meeting ladies just like this dear lady who would say aloud, "Thank-you Jesus! or Praise the Lord!'
Psalm 117, as some have said, may be short, but big things often come in small packages. In Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament (p.273) he devotes a whole page titled: "Psalm 117: A Short Psalm with a Big Message." Why? Well, for starters as the shortest Psalm it has this distinction--it is the only Psalm especially written for Gentiles in the entire 150 chapters of the book of Psalms.
While it may be mini, it has a message that the Apostle Paul would quote in the book of Romans as well! What was the important message? It was that the Gentiles too would be part of the family of the Lord. Yes, the good news of the Messiah was for them as well. For Romans 3:15 says, "And again, PRAISE THE LORD, ALL YE GENTILES: AND LAUD HIM ALL YE PEOPLE." (Ps.117:2) A note in my Bible* on p.1757 explains that Paul quotes from the Psalms, the Law, and the Prophets. Check it out in your Bible. Oh, and one other point "Laud" means to praise or exalt. Always remember too the Gentiles did not replace or supersede God's Jewish people!
*King James Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1986
View this brief video: "What Is the Meaning of LAUD?" Click to see here: Bing Videos A second informative great video is: Laud Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Do point out that this shortest of all Psalms is known as the "Laudate Dominium" which in Latin means "Praise the Lord! Challenge: What musician wrote a choral piece of music known as "Laudate Dominium?"
Kids' Project: This little Psalm is the perfect con-verse-sation starter. Discuss how unique this little psalm is yet how big is the message. Include on your mat a teensy package, and a little Bible such as the key chain one photographed here. Beside the mat, if you have one, lay this Lighthouse Trails booklet: Truth or Consequences. In the booklet author Warren B. Smith highlights Ps.117:1 twice! Its conclusion reads: "Truth or consequences. The stakes are high, but one thing is for sure: Truth prevails in the end because Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and His truth endures forever (Psalm 117:1-2)." Order the booklet here: NEW BOOKLET - Truth or Consequences - Lighthouse Trails Research Project
Have younger kids count to 117. Have them count the words in the KJV version. How many did they find? Read aloud the "two" verses. Can they find a three verse Psalm? Turn to the NT and find Romans 15:11! Learn a new word! "Laud!" Take a "Laud Pause." Memorize it!
Let's take a 'Laud Pause!"
I laud, you laud, we all
laud the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Romans 15:11: "Praise the LORD
all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all
ye people!"
Glory, Laud, & Honor!
Glory laud, and honor to the Lord proclaim,
Bowing down before him, bless his holy name.
Give him praise and glory as creator of all things,
Worship and adore him, crown him King of Kings!
LEP
Actions: Point up; bow down on knees, lift hands,
lift voice at end.
Answers: 1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T 6. F 7. T 8. T 9. T 10. T.
Stat/Chat Mat Combo: Since this is such a short Psalm I am using one mat. View it noting its statistics and its distinctives. See the mini package. Research its Romans Ref. Look up "The Truth Booklet."
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