Single lesson
Psalm 117: Extol Him, All You Peoples
Psalms 117:1–2
This lesson helps children hear the shape of a very short poem. They will listen for who is addressed, what repeated praise words stand out, and how the poem moves from a call to praise into reasons for praise.
Before you teach
In these two verses, the poem first calls 'all you nations' and 'all you peoples' to praise Yahweh. Then it gives the reasons: his loving kindness is great toward us, and his faithfulness endures forever. The poem closes with another brief word of praise.
Children will be able to name who is called to praise Yahweh in verse 1 and explain the two reasons for praise given in verse 2.
Welcome: Listen for who is called
5 minTell the group they will hear a short poem with a strong message. Ask them to listen for two things: who is being spoken to, and what word or idea is repeated. Explain that they will also listen for why praise is called for in the second verse.
Psalms 117:1, Psalms 117:2
Read and explain: A call to all nations and peoples
7 minRead both verses aloud twice. Point out that verse 1 directly speaks to 'all you nations' and 'all you peoples'. The poem is calling a wide audience to 'Praise Yahweh' and to 'Extol him'. Explain that 'extol' means to speak highly of someone with honour and praise.
Psalms 117:1
Discuss the reasons: Loving kindness and faithfulness
6 minNow look at verse 2. The poem gives two reasons for praise. First, Yahweh’s loving kindness is 'great toward us'. Second, Yahweh’s faithfulness 'endures forever'. Help children see that the poem does not only say praise, but also explains why praise is fitting.
Psalms 117:2
Make and respond: Create a praise card
8 minExplain that the children’s pictures are their response to the poem, not details described in the poem itself. They can draw many peoples answering the call of verse 1, or they can decorate a card with words from verse 2 about loving kindness and enduring faithfulness.
Psalms 117:1, Psalms 117:2
Closing: Hear the poem’s movement
4 minFinish by saying the poem together in parts. One group reads the call to praise in verse 1. Another group reads the reasons in verse 2. Then everyone says the final 'Praise Yah!' together. Repeat the movement: call to praise, reasons for praise, closing praise.
Psalms 117:1, Psalms 117:2
Questions to explore
Who does verse 1 call to praise Yahweh?
Look for the direct words in the poem: it speaks to 'all you nations' and 'all you peoples'.
Psalms 117:1
What two reasons for praise are given in verse 2?
Verse 2 says Yahweh’s loving kindness is great toward us and his faithfulness endures forever.
Psalms 117:2
How does the poem begin and end?
Notice that it starts with a call to praise in verse 1 and ends with 'Praise Yah!' in verse 2.
Psalms 117:1, Psalms 117:2
Make, think or respond
Illustrated Praise Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or markers
- crayons
- scissors
Try it together
- Fold a piece of paper or card in half to make a small card.
- On one side, draw people from many groups responding to the call to praise in verse 1.
- On the other side, write a phrase from verse 2 and decorate it with simple colours or symbols.
- Invite each child to show the card and read the chosen words aloud.
This activity helps children respond to the call to praise in Psalms 117:1 and remember the reasons for praise in Psalms 117:2.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, read the key phrases aloud and let them choose just one phrase to copy or illustrate.
- For older or more confident children, ask them to explain how verse 1 gives the call and verse 2 gives the reasons.
An optional closing prayer
You could pray: 'Yahweh, thank you for your loving kindness and your faithfulness that endures forever. Help us to praise you with truthful words.'
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 117
1 Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
2 For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.