Sometimes, less is better, especially when it comes to using words. In this, the shortest of all the psalms and the shortest chapter in the Bible, the psalmist gives the big picture of the relationship of the Lord with people. Nations, cultures, and individuals can fit in the few words of this brief Hallelujah psalm. The apostle Paul quoted this psalm [Romans 15:11] when he pointed out that Jews and Gentiles will share the blessings of God in the future. As those in the church, we share as equals in gifts, responsibilities, and blessings. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, but “church of God” in the body of Christ and local assemblies.
All nations are included in God's divine plans. Gentiles were not an afterthought. This psalm is a universal call to praise the Lord in the first verse. It is prophetic because today, not all nations, and maybe not any, praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness. His unchanging truth is, by most people in the world, rejected. There are no nations that fit the description of this psalm, but it will happen. Israel will recognize and praise the Lord, “For His merciful kindness is great toward us (Israel).” Gentile nations will praise the Lord when they share the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah, with Israel.
Today, we who are believers in our Lord Jesus Christ praise our Lord for His great love and unending faithfulness to us. His truth is unchanging for every nation, every culture, and every person within every culture – now and for all time. God is always, and in every way, worthy of all praise and thanksgiving we can give to Him. “Praise ye the Lord (Hallelujah).”