Psalm 146:1 Study Bible: Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul.

◄ Psalm 146:1 ►

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Hallelujah!
The term "Hallelujah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase "Hallelu Yah," which means "Praise the LORD." It is a call to worship and an expression of joy and gratitude. This exclamation is often used in the Psalms to invite the congregation to join in praise. The use of "Hallelujah" connects this psalm to the broader tradition of Hebrew worship, where praising God was central to both personal and communal expressions of faith. It is a reminder of the importance of worship in the life of a believer and is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation 19:1-6, where it is used in the context of heavenly worship.

Praise the LORD,
"Praise the LORD" is a direct command and an invitation to acknowledge God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase underscores the personal relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where God is praised for His mighty acts and steadfast love. The call to praise is not just a suggestion but a duty for those who recognize God's authority and benevolence. This theme is prevalent in other Psalms, such as Psalm 103:1-2, where the psalmist also calls for personal and communal praise.

O my soul.
The phrase "O my soul" indicates an introspective and personal call to worship. It suggests that praise is not merely an external act but an internal, heartfelt response to God's character and deeds. The soul represents the entirety of one's being, emphasizing that worship should engage the whole person. This introspective call is similar to other Psalms, like Psalm 103:1, where the psalmist speaks to his own soul, urging it to bless the LORD. It highlights the importance of sincerity and depth in worship, as true praise arises from a soul that recognizes and responds to God's greatness. This personal aspect of worship is fulfilled in the New Testament through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to worship in spirit and truth, as seen in John 4:24.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Psalmist
The author of this psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a deep personal commitment to praising God.

2. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.

3. Soul
Represents the innermost being of the psalmist, indicating that praise is not just an outward act but an inward devotion.

Teaching Points

The Call to Praise
The psalm begins with "Hallelujah," a Hebrew word meaning "Praise the LORD." This sets the tone for a life centered on worship and adoration of God.

Personal Worship
The phrase "O my soul" indicates that worship is deeply personal. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is intimate and involves our entire being.

Continuous Praise
The imperative to praise suggests that worship is not confined to specific times or places but is a continual act of devotion.

The Nature of God
By using the name "LORD" (Yahweh), the psalmist highlights God's faithfulness and eternal nature, which are reasons for our praise.

Encouragement in Community
While the psalmist speaks personally, the call to "Hallelujah" is communal, encouraging others to join in the praise of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to praise in Psalm 146:1 challenge your current approach to worship in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the idea of "praising the LORD, O my soul" into your personal prayer time?

3. How does understanding the meaning of "Hallelujah" deepen your appreciation for the psalms and other worship songs?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt your soul truly praising God. What circumstances led to that experience, and how can you cultivate it more regularly?

5. How can the communal aspect of "Hallelujah" influence your participation in corporate worship within your church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 103:1
Similar call for the soul to bless the LORD, emphasizing personal and heartfelt worship.

Luke 1:46-47
Mary's Magnificat echoes the sentiment of praising God with one's soul, showing continuity in the theme of personal worship.

Philippians 4:4
Encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, aligning with the psalmist's call to constant praise.

Hebrews 13:15
Speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise, which connects to the idea of praising God with one's whole being.

Sermons

God Alone Worthy of Trust	C. Short	Psalm 146:1-10
Hallelujah	David Thomas, D. D.	Psalm 146:1-10
Hallelujah		Psalm 146:1-10
His Last Song	Sunday Circle	Psalm 146:1-10

People

Jacob, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Hallelujah, Jah, O, Praise, Praised, Soul, Yah

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 145:21

1065 God, holiness of

Library

Concerning Continence Also Itself Hath it not Been Most Openly Said...
43. Concerning continence also itself hath it not been most openly said, "And when I knew that no one can be continent unless God give it, this also itself was a part of wisdom, to know whose gift it was?" [2177] But perhaps continence is the gift of God, but wisdom man bestows upon himself, whereby to understand, that that gift is, not his own, but of God. Yea, "The Lord maketh wise the blind:" [2178] and, "The testimony of the Lord is faithful, it giveth wisdom unto little ones:" [2179] and, "If …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times.
THE question as to the Rabbinic views in regard to the binding character of the Law, and its imposition on the Gentiles, in Messianic times, although, strictly speaking, not forming part of this history, is of such vital importance in connection with recent controversies as to demand special consideration. In the text to which this Appendix refers it has been indicated, that a new legislation was expected in Messianic days. The ultimate basis of this expectancy must be sought in the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

"The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed.
That what we are to speak to for the clearing and improving this noble piece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearly understood and edifying, we shall first take notice of some generals, and then show particularly how or in what respects Christ is called the Truth; and finally speak to some cases wherein we are to make use of Christ as the Truth. As to the first. There are four general things here to be noticed. 1. This supposeth what our case by nature is, and what we are all …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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