Psalms – Chapter 117

Old Testament • 29 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 117 opens with the words: "Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Aaron stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 29 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2Let Israel now say, that he is good: that his mercy endureth for ever.

3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4Let them that fear the Lord now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me.

6The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man can do unto me.

7The Lord is my helper: and I will look over my enemies.

8It is good to confide in the Lord, rather than to have confidence in man.

9It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in princes.

10All nations compassed me about; and, in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them.

11Surrounding me they compassed me about: and in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them.

12They surrounded me like bees, and they burned like fire among thorns: and in the name of the Lord I was revenged on them.

13Being pushed I was overturned that I might fall: but the Lord supported me.

14The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation.

15The voice of rejoicing and of salvation is in the tabernacles of the just.

16The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength: the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me: the right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength.

17I shall not die, but live: and shall declare the works of the Lord.

18The Lord chastising hath chastised me: but he hath not delivered me over to death.

19Open ye to me the gates of justice: I will go in to them, and give praise to the Lord.

20This is the gate of the Lord, the just shall enter into it.

21I will give glory to thee because thou hast heard me: and art become my salvation.

22The stone which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner.

23This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

24This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us be glad and rejoice therein.

25O Lord, save me: O Lord, give good success.

26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27The Lord is God, and he hath shone upon us. Appoint a solemn day, with shady boughs, even to the horn of the altar.

28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, and I will exalt thee. I will praise thee, because thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

29O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 117

“Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 117:1

“Let them that fear the Lord now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 117:4

“The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation.”

Psalms 117:14

“O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ”

Psalms 117:29

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 117 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 29 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Aaron appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." The chapter ends with: "O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 385).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

Aaron1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 117, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 117 supports that call by drawing attention to humility before the mystery of God within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of humility before the mystery of God bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 117 about?

Psalms 117 contains 29 verses. It opens with "Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." and closes with "O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 117?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 117?

This chapter mentions Aaron.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Exodus 5Shares people and themes with this chapterLeviticus 1Shares people and themes with this chapterNumbers 4Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael

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