Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, offers us a fascinating take on Psalm 117:1, "Praise the Lord, all nations." It’s not as simple as a universal call to worship. Instead, it paints a picture of a call and response, a cosmic conversation.
One interpretation sees it as Israel urging the nations of the world to praise God. And in turn, God says to Israel, "Praise the Lord!" It’s like a spiritual echo. But it doesn't stop there. The Midrash beautifully expands this idea, suggesting that even in the most intimate of relationships, this call to praise exists. The groom says, "Praise the Lord!" to the bride, and the bride responds in kind. It's a constant cycle of acknowledgement and gratitude.
But what about the future? What role do the nations play in the ultimate redemption? The Midrash suggests that in the future, at the time when Israel is redeemed, the nations themselves will join in the chorus of praise. This is supported by verses like Psalms 102:23, "When the peoples are gathered together," and Psalm 98:2, "The Lord has made His salvation known." It's a vision of universal harmony and recognition of God's saving power.
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Rabbi Shimon asks his father, Rabbeinu HaKadosh (our Holy Teacher), a crucial question: “Who are all the nations and who are all the peoples" mentioned in the Psalm? The answer is revealing: "All the nations are the Gentiles who enslaved Israel. All the peoples are those who did not enslave them."
Think about that for a moment. Those who oppressed Israel are being called upon to praise God? It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? The Midrash anticipates this very question. If those who enslaved Israel are meant to praise God, then how much more so should those who didn't enslave them? The text tells us that these "peoples" begin to say, "His mercy has prevailed over us."
And the earth itself responds, "The truth of the Lord endures forever." But what is this "truth"? Midrash Tehillim connects it directly to the covenant God made with our forefathers, citing Leviticus 26:42: "And I will remember My covenant with Jacob."
The emet Adonai l’olam, the truth of the Lord endures forever, isn't just some abstract concept. It's rooted in a promise, a bond, a historical relationship between God and Israel. And that promise, that bond, extends outward, inviting all nations, even those who caused pain, to acknowledge God's enduring presence and mercy.
So, what does this all mean? Perhaps it’s a reminder that praise isn't just a ritual, but a recognition of truth, of mercy, of the enduring covenant that binds us all, even across divides of history and experience. It is a call to recognize the divine spark in everything, even in those who have caused us pain. It’s an invitation to a future where everyone, finally, can sing in harmony.