In the biblical narrative, the call to praise God is not limited to the Israelites but extends to all nations, including the Gentiles. This universal call to worship underscores the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan and His sovereignty over all creation.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament contains numerous references to the obligation of Gentiles to praise God. Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, is a direct exhortation: "Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples" (Psalm 117:1). This psalm highlights the universal scope of God's mercy and truth, inviting all nations to join in worship.

Isaiah also prophesies about the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of Yahweh. In Isaiah 42:6-7, God speaks of His Servant as a "light for the nations," indicating that the Gentiles will be drawn to God's light and truth. Isaiah 56:6-7 further emphasizes that foreigners who join themselves to the Lord will be brought to His holy mountain, and their offerings will be accepted, for God's house "will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues this theme, affirming that the Gentiles are called to praise God through the work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 15:9-11, Paul cites several Old Testament passages to demonstrate that the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan was always intended: "Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name" (Romans 15:9). Paul emphasizes that the Gentiles glorifying God is a fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 further underscores the obligation of all nations to worship God. Jesus commands His disciples to "make disciples of all nations," baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded. This directive implies that the Gentiles, once evangelized, are to become active participants in the worship and praise of God.

Theological Implications

The obligation of Gentiles to praise God is rooted in the understanding of God's universal sovereignty and the comprehensive nature of His salvation plan. The inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant community reflects God's desire for all humanity to acknowledge His glory and majesty. This is not merely an invitation but an obligation, as all creation is called to recognize and respond to the Creator's greatness.

The apostle Peter, addressing a predominantly Gentile audience, writes in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . This passage affirms that Gentiles, once not a people, are now included in the people of God, with the express purpose of declaring His praises.

Practical Application

The obligation of Gentiles to praise God has practical implications for the church today. It calls for a mission-oriented approach, recognizing that the gospel is for all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. The church is tasked with the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel to all nations, inviting them to join in the worship of the one true God.

Moreover, this obligation encourages unity within the body of Christ, as believers from diverse backgrounds come together to glorify God. It serves as a reminder that the church is a global community, united in its purpose to exalt God and make His name known among the nations.Psalm 117:1
O praise the LORD, all you nations: praise him, all you people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:11
And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; and laud him, all you people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenant Duties.
... be expressed, when, the fulness of the Gentiles having been ... and swear to do so is
therefore obligatory upon them ... in the Psalmist's vow,""I will praise thee, O ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church
... and that the ceremonial law had ceased to be obligatory. ... serving Him, [195:5] and
as calling upon His name ... and angels, uniting in the celebration of His praise. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the doctrine of.htm

Acts XVI
... which was to admit that his circumcision was not obligatory. ... We can not enter upon
the merits of this doctrine ... the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... procedure could, of course, not be obligatory, it would ... service, with such unspoken
prayer and praise as would ... the whole history of the Christ upon earth were ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... to observe its rites, which were no longer obligatory, as the ... it to a few select
objects, to bestow upon a part ... Praise ye the Lord." Many of the human race are ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... Moses instituted no obligatory fast; but the Pharisee fasted ... with implicit faith
and to rest upon his promises ... people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... prayer into two petitions, preceded by praise for national ... and look from that height
upon all the ... imposed by rightful authority, and obedience was obligatory. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... myself; they shall shew forth my praise."[502] "Remember ... engaging to it, were incumbent
upon them, appears ... under the latter dispensation, are obligatory on all ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ...
... no reason for your thinking it obligatory in me ... whole Old Testament Scriptures their
due praise as true ... which was enjoined in ancient times upon Noah himself ...
/.../faustus fails to understand why.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... I touch upon these things merely in passing with the ... prefigured things in the future;
if we praise the three ... these works of the law were not obligatory in the ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)? | GotQuestions.org

What are the psalms of praise? | GotQuestions.org

What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org

Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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