Psalm 117: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 117 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls all nations and peoples to praise Yahweh for who he is. The command is clear: 'Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!' (v. 1). The reason for this call is given in the next verse, affirming that God's loving kindness is great toward his people. He is faithful, and this faithfulness lasts forever. Therefore, all should join together in their praise for Yahweh’s enduring love and loyalty (v. 2).

Key verse

“For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!”
Psalms 117:2 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 117:1 Call for Universal Praise
Psalm 117:2 Affirmation of God's Love and Faithfulness

Discussion questions

In v1, who is being called to 'praise Yahweh'?
What phrase in v2 expresses the nature of Yahweh's love?
The phrase 'loving kindness' in v2: how does it relate to the nation's call to praise?
In v2, what does the word 'endures' imply about Yahweh’s faithfulness?
When have you experienced Yahweh's 'loving kindness' in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 117: Romans 15, Revelation 15, Psalm 100.

Before next time: read Psalm 118.