Small Beginnings, Big Blessings
Imagine the nations who are currently booing Israel and forfeiting Olympic events rather than compete against Israeli athletes, one day praising God for His favored treatment of Israel! Why would hostile anti-Israel nations celebrate God’s faithfulness to Israel? Because as Yeshua (Jesus) taught, from small beginnings come great blessing.
For instance, Yeshua pointed His followers to the mustard seed. It is planted as a tiny garden seed but matures into a plant in which birds can safely perch (cf. Luke 13:19). The analogy teaches us that God’s kingdom would have humble beginnings in Israel (“within his own garden”) but in its maturity provide a place of rest for the nations of the earth. (The “birds of the air nested in its branches” is an allusion to Ezekiel 17:23–24 and the nations.) Similarly, the tiniest of all the Psalms carries an outsized message.
1 Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the LORD!
Weighing in at a scant two verses, comprised of a mere 17 Hebrew words, Psalm 117 is the most petite of the Psalms. Despite its diminutive size it, commands every nation of the world to praise God for His dealings with one small nation, Israel.
In verse 1 “all nations” and “all peoples (or “tribes”) are commanded to “praise” and “laud” (“glory in” or “congratulate”) the LORD, Israel’s God. The entire world is summoned to acknowledge Israel’s God by expressing verbal adoration and appreciation to Him.
The reason for this international adulation is explained in verse 2. The nations are called to praise God because of how He relates to Israel. The phrase “toward us” refers to Israel in contrast to “all nations…all peoples.” Two facets of God’s relationship with Israel are highlighted.
First, the psalmist states, “His lovingkindness is great toward us.” Here “lovingkindness” translates the Hebrew word chesed, which focuses us on God’s covenant faithfulness or loyalty to Israel. The word “great” translates the Hebrew word gavar, which refers to prevailing power, not size or quantity. The word gavar is used to describe the waters of Noah’s flood overcoming the earth (Gen. 7:18–20, 24), and Israel overcoming Amalek in battle when Moses’ hands were held up (Exodus 17:11).
Then, the psalmist says, “the truth of the Lord is everlasting.” The Hebrew word emet (“truth”) is more than a fact in the propositional or ontological sense. In Hebrew it carries the idea of faithfulness, or certainty. Further, God’s faithfulness or certainty toward Israel is l’olam – “to everlasting.” The same word, olam, describes God’s eternal nature, the enduring power of His word (Isa. 40:8), His salvation and righteousness (Isa. 51:6), etc.
The nations of the world are called upon to praise and honor Israel’s God for two astounding reasons:
God’s covenant faithfulness toward Israel prevails!
God’s plans for Israel are permanent!
Stated simply, the LORD’s relational loyalty to Israel overcomes all obstacles, including her failures, chronic struggles with sin, unbelief, rebellion, and the surrounding nations’ chronic hatred and ceaseless attempts to destroy her. God’s plan never expires, wears out, or changes!
We need to receive Psalm 117’s message, especially now. Israel’s existence is threatened internally by polarized political division and by the spiritual darkness underlying it. Externally, nation after nation unjustly condemns Israel’s war of self-defense and calls for her annihilation. Psalm 117 reminds us that despite all threats, God is in control, and nothing can thwart His plan to bless Israel and make her a blessing to all the nations of the earth.
Remember the mustard seed – from small beginnings come great things. From God’s commitment to Israel, the smallest nation (Deuteronomy 7:7), He will bring blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3). From the seed sown in Israel will come God’s kingdom in which the nations of the world find rest. Ultimately people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will sing God’s praises for His chesed v’emet, lovingkindness and truth, to Israel.
Looking ahead to this glorious future energizes all that Life in Messiah does. Our workers are bringing Messiah’s gospel and hope of God’s kingdom to His chosen people – the garden in which God planted the seed. And they are serving the nations (Gentile followers of Messiah), teaching them to praise God for His love for Israel and the kingdom that comes through it.
Therefore, accept one another, just as Messiah also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Messiah has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him.” Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:7–13)
Written by Dan, Life in Messiah Board member
How does God’s enduring faithfulness to Israel encourage you in your walk with Him?
When you consider the distinct position of the Jewish people in God’s plan, how do you tend to respond? Do you find yourself rejoicing in what God is doing in and through Israel, feeling jealous at their being set apart, or maybe both? We invite you to check out this brief video where Jim Melnick discusses this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev9LittYLno.
How can you share God’s love for Israel with those around you who have taken an anti-Israel stance? If you have Jewish friends or neighbors, how can you reach out and offer both support and Messiah’s love during a time when Israel is a target of condemnation and hostility?