Psalm 117:1 - Praise the LORD, all you nations

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!

Psalm 117:1

Commentary

This psalm has the dual distinction of being both the shortest chapter in the Bible and also the middle chapter of the Bible. It is an invitation to people of every nation to praise the Lord.

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Ps 117:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Paul quoted this verse (Psalm 117:1) in Rom. 15:11 to make the point that from the very beginning of time God has pursued a worldwide redemptive purpose (cf. Rom. 15:7-13).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ps 117:1). Nashville: Word Pub.

Proverbs 17:3 - The LORD tests the heart

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

Proverbs 17:3

Commentary

A refining pot (or crucible) is a vessel used in the production of silver (Prov. 17:3; 27:21) and to refine is to separate pure metal from the impurities in the ore in the smelting process.

God can do what no crucible or furnace can do. They can test silve rand gold but the Lord can test the human heart. In the process of testing, He removes the dross and purifies the life until He sees His own image reflected.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 17:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.