This is the shortest and simplest of the psalms. Its structure is typical of hymns, in that it consists of a call for praise, which is repeated at the conclusion, and the grounds for that praise, which is expressed in a “for” statement. Its liturgical use is plain from the repeated call to worship. Its brevity may lead us to suppose we have but a fragment of a larger psalm or that it forms either the conclusion of Psalm 116 (as some Hb. manuscripts have it) or the introduction of Psalm 118 (as other Hb. manuscripts have it). But change is unnecessary because Psalm 117, as with most hymns of the Psalter, probably formed only part of a larger liturgy and was thus sung in combination with other psalms.

117:1 As typical as this hymn is, it is somewhat unusual in that it contains a summons to …