Psalm 117:2

For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Hallelujah!

Study Bible

For great is His loving devotion
The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which encompasses a profound sense of steadfast love, mercy, and kindness. This term is often used to describe God's covenantal love for His people, a love that is unwavering and unconditional. In the historical context of Israel, "chesed" was a reminder of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His continued faithfulness despite the people's shortcomings. The greatness of this loving devotion is not just in its magnitude but in its enduring nature, reflecting a divine commitment that surpasses human understanding.

toward us
The phrase "toward us" emphasizes the personal and communal aspect of God's love. It is not a distant or abstract concept but a direct and intimate relationship with His people. Historically, this would have been a source of immense comfort and assurance to the Israelites, who often faced external threats and internal strife. The inclusivity of "us" also foreshadows the New Testament revelation that God's love extends beyond Israel to all nations, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and finds fulfillment in the Great Commission.

and the faithfulness of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "faithfulness" is "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), which conveys a sense of reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. This attribute of God assures believers that He is consistent and true to His word. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where gods were often seen as capricious and unpredictable, the faithfulness of Yahweh set Him apart as a deity who could be trusted completely. Scripturally, this faithfulness is demonstrated through God's actions in history, His fulfillment of promises, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

endures forever
The phrase "endures forever" highlights the eternal nature of God's attributes. Unlike human love and faithfulness, which can waver and fade, God's loving devotion and faithfulness are perpetual and unchanging. This eternal aspect is a cornerstone of biblical theology, providing believers with hope and assurance that God's promises are not limited by time or circumstance. The enduring nature of God's faithfulness is a theme echoed throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament covenants to the New Testament's promise of eternal life through Christ.

Hallelujah!
The term "Hallelujah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew "הַלְלוּיָהּ" (halleluyah), meaning "Praise the LORD." It is both a call to worship and an expression of exuberant praise. In the context of Psalm 117, it serves as a fitting conclusion, inviting all who have experienced God's loving devotion and faithfulness to respond with joyful adoration. Historically, "Hallelujah" has been a central part of Jewish and Christian liturgies, symbolizing the communal and individual response to God's mighty acts and enduring love. This exclamation encapsulates the psalmist's awe and gratitude, encouraging believers to live lives marked by praise and thanksgiving.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose loving devotion and faithfulness are central themes in this verse.

2. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 117, traditionally attributed to King David, who calls all nations to praise the LORD.

3. Israel
The chosen people of God, who have experienced His loving devotion and faithfulness throughout their history.

4. Nations (Gentiles)
The call to praise extends beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the universal scope of God's love and faithfulness.

5. Hallelujah
A Hebrew word meaning "Praise the LORD," used here as a call to worship.

Teaching Points

God's Loving Devotion
God's loving devotion (Hebrew: "chesed") is a steadfast, covenantal love that is unwavering and reliable. As believers, we can trust in His love, which is not based on our merit but on His character.

Enduring Faithfulness
The faithfulness of the LORD (Hebrew: "emunah") is eternal. In a world of change and uncertainty, God's promises remain constant. We are called to rely on His faithfulness in every aspect of our lives.

Universal Call to Worship
The call to praise God is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations. This inclusivity reflects God's heart for all people and challenges us to share His love and truth with others.

Response of Praise
Our response to God's loving devotion and faithfulness should be one of praise and worship. "Hallelujah" is not just a word but a lifestyle of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's greatness.

Living in Light of God's Attributes
Understanding God's loving devotion and faithfulness should transform how we live, leading us to emulate these attributes in our relationships and interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's "chesed" (loving devotion) impact your relationship with Him and others?

2. In what ways can you rely on God's "emunah" (faithfulness) during times of uncertainty or difficulty?

3. How does the universal call to worship in Psalm 117:2 challenge your perspective on evangelism and missions?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How did it strengthen your faith?

5. How can you incorporate "Hallelujah" as a daily practice of praise in your life, and what impact might this have on your spiritual walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:6-7
Describes God's character as compassionate, gracious, and abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, echoing the themes of Psalm 117:2.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights the steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD, which are new every morning, reinforcing the enduring nature of God's attributes.

Romans 15:8-11
Paul references Psalm 117 to show that Christ's ministry confirms God's promises to the patriarchs and extends mercy to the Gentiles, fulfilling the call for all nations to praise God.

Hebrews 10:23
Encourages believers to hold fast to the hope they profess because God, who promised, is faithful, aligning with the enduring faithfulness mentioned in Psalm 117:2.