ONE VOICE – PSALM 117

The 5th 'Hallel' Psalm is unique in several ways. It is the shortest psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible. It is situated near the center of the entire cannon. It extends the scope of covenant hope far beyond ethnic Israel's borders. Finally, It is cited as a primary prophecy of Gentile Gospel inclusion (Rom 15). As many have noted, though it is brief by word count, its theme is colossal. We are gathered in our assembly today in obedience to the call to worship expressed in this passage. It is common for songs of shorter length with weighty themes to be employed more frequently. The “Doxology” in more recent church history is an example. A song fitting for many occasions serving purposes of invocation, benediction, memory, instruction, and perspective. Ps 117 may have been such a song, sung frequently in festal, temple, and family worship. Furthermore it is easy to imagine Ps 117 as the very first hymn introduced by missionaries even in the Old Testament. I imagine the town square of Nineveh overflowing with converts following Jonah's preaching singing this Psalm with all their heart. I imagine a recorded version playing for hours on end as these same words are sung over and over translated into the tongue of every known language. I imagine Ps 117 sung by the multitude of Revelation, a crowd so great, no one can number, from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb with one voice like the roar of many waters, like the sound of mighty peals of thunder...