Bible Study:What does Psalm chapter 146 mean?
Chapter Context
This psalm is among those which uses the Hebrew phrase halelu-yāh, which literally means "praise the Lord!" This term both begins and ends the final psalms in this book (Psalm 147—150). The psalmist emphasizes that God alone is worthy of absolute trust (Psalm 118:8–9). Fallen, imperfect men cannot provide eternal salvation because they sin and die themselves (Romans 3:10, 26). Here, God is repeatedly referred to using the name YHWH, or Yahweh, typically rendered as "LLord" in English (Exodus 3:15). Zion is another name for the city of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1).
What does Psalm chapter 146 mean?
This psalm begins and ends with the term
halelu-yāh, a phrase which literally means "praise the Lord!" This Hebrew expression is the source of the English term "hallelujah." The same word brackets psalms 147—150.
The unidentified psalmist commits to worshipping God from the depths of his own soul, for as long as he has life to live. This faith inspires a warning to others: to not place undue faith in other people. Sinful men make mistakes and will eventually die. Only God is eternal, and only His plans last forever and ever (Psalm 146:1–4).
Those who revere and follow God (Proverbs 1:7) are truly blessed. This is the God of Jacob, founder of the nation of Israel (Genesis 32:28). He is also the Creator (Genesis 1). The Lord is identified with faithfulness, justice, compassion, freedom, salvation, and righteous judgment. Only He will rule for eternity (Psalm 146:5–10).
