117:1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Applaud him, all you foreigners!
The author is unknown. Psalms 113–118 form the Egyptian Hallel songs. Hallel means “Praise God.” These songs were sung during the Jewish festivals and on holy days. Psalm 113-114 were sung before the meal on Passover. Psalms 115-118 were sung after the meal. Jesus sang these songs on Passover with His disciples.
This psalm is the shortest psalm in the Bible. It is also the shortest chapter in the Bible. It is also the middle chapter of the Bible.
Notice that all of the Gentiles are praising Jehovah. This has never happened in history. Nor is it happening in the present. The world is not interested in the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are currently living very happily as a slave of the satanic world system. Therefore, this song looks prophetically to the Millennial Kingdom when all nations will praise Jehovah. Paul quoted this verse in Romans 15:11 to make the point that from the very beginning of time, God has pursued a worldwide redemptive purpose for not just Israel, but Gentiles as well.
2 For his loyal love towers over us, and the Lord’s faithfulness endures. Praise the Lord!
When will all Gentiles praise Jehovah? The answer is given in this verse. The “us” is Israel. When God’s loyal love towers over Israel, then all of the Gentiles will praise the Lord. When the Jews cry out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” then the Lord Jesus Christ will return and establish His Messianic Kingdom. In this kingdom, all Jews and Gentiles will praise Jehovah.