Let thy mercy, O Yahwe, be upon us,
According as we have trusted in thee.
The first half of the psalm, verses 1-11 is a hymn of praise; the second half, verses 12-22, despite the petition at the close is perhaps best called a wisdom psalm.
In the very short Psalm 117 the call to praise goes out in verse 1 to “all nations” and to “all peoples.” It is a question however whether the mercy of Yahwe in verse 2 is extended to all peoples or limited to the Hebrews. In any case this little hymn of praise forms a suitable transition to the special group of eschatological hymns of praise.
Chapter III
HEBREW ESCHATOLOGICAL HYMNS
The sanctuary hymns of praise which we have been studying have for, the most part, the backward look through Israel’s history to the creation of the world. A few of them also have in small degree the forward look calling for Yahwe’s praise because of what he will yet accomplish in the world; and certainly many of the hymns are characterized by an enthusiasm for Yahwe’s greatness that asserts or presupposes his supremacy in the universe. Nevertheless it is right to gather together a special group of hymns which look forward more definitely and concretely to the actual triumphant consummation of Yahwe’s plan, and the achievement of Israel’s glorious destiny. These hymns are sung in contemplation of Yahwe’s great final victory. He has at long last appeared to judge the world; his mightiest enemies have suffered complete and final defeat. He has taken his rightful position upon his throne, and all nations acknowledge his authority. The physical world will now yield its abundant increase, and the divine reign of peace and righteousness will begin. Such hymns, fittingly called eschatological, are Psalms 96, 98, 149, 47, 99, 97, 93, 82.
One not inconspicuous difference in these eschatological hymns is in the call to praise. Many eschatological hymns indeed seem to have been introduced simply by the triumphant shout: “Yahwe is king.” (Psalms 99, 97, 93.) The announcement of the momentous fact, that at last Israel’s God has actually ascended his throne to take to himself power and sovereignty over the earth, does of itself inspire hymnal enthusiasm. Quite probably the abruptness of the announcement corresponds to the suddenness and unexpectedness of the event itself. However hymns beginning with the shout: “Yahwe is king” sometimes follow up that announcement with a summons to praise Yahwe. Indeed the very fact that Yahwe has become king is reason why men and nations should be called upon to praise him. So while Psalm 93, beginning with “Yahwe is king,” has no further call to praise, Psalm 97 does complete the great announcement with a brief call to praise:
Yahwe is king, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many shores be glad.
And Psalm 99 follows up the announcement not with one but with repeated calls to worship Yahwe (verses 1, 3, 5, 9).