The Hallelujah Psalms (Psalms 146–150)
Introduction
Have you ever heard people criticising that Christian praise songs are too repetitive? Well, the five psalms that the Book of Psalms concludes with are also a bit repetitive! Each psalm starts and ends with the Hebrew word: Hallelujah. In your English translation, you should have “Praise the Lord” or something similar. (Hallelujah means Praise the Lord.)
The Book of Psalms concludes with 10 Hallelujahs (opening and closing of each of the last five psalms). Why do you think this is done?
Psalm 146
In your group, read this psalm out loud. If possible, hear it read from several versions. I enjoy hearing the Message (by Eugene Peterson) version of the Psalms, as it often gives useful insight.
How would you classify this psalm?
Summary
This short psalm of praise starts with lifelong praise (vv1,2) followed by the futility of trusting rulers (vv3,4). It then compares the greatness of God and his deeds (vv5–9) and ends with praise (v10).
Why do we have the section (vv3,4) on princes and other leaders amid a psalm of praise?
We humans are fragile and limited, but our God is the creator of everything (v6), and he is forever faithful. While we stumble in our faithfulness, our Heavenly Father never does.
What does it mean to you that God is forever faithful?
We are not surprised that the “Lord loves the righteous” (v8). But look at his deeds when it comes to the oppressed (v7), the hungry (v7), prisoners (v7), the blind (v8), the burdened (v8), foreigners (v9), the fatherless (v9) and widows (v9). Note the outcome for the wicked in v9.
How do vv7–9 compare with the ministry of Jesus that we find in the Gospels?
As followers of Jesus, what is this psalm encouraging us to do? How is that praise?
Psalm 150
Read this psalm aloud in a few different versions.
What is this psalm about?
Here we are at the end of the book of Psalms, and it concludes with a wonderful psalm that is full of praise.
How many times does this short psalm use the word “praise”?
This psalm resolves any uncertainty regarding the musical nature of the psalms.
What musical instruments do you see in this psalm?
We’ve given the instruments names in English to help us understand, but they were unlike the ones we use. For example, they likely didn’t have any (or very little) tuning capabilities. It may have been more of a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1 in ESV or KJV) than a harmonious symphony. Also see Psalm 98:4–6.
For more info on musical instruments from the Bible:
https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2019/02/the-list-of-musical-instruments-mentioned-in-the-bible
If you have friends who don’t believe we should have musical instruments in church worship, then this is a good psalm to discuss.
What musical instruments do you like hearing in a worship service?
Who should praise the Lord – see v6?
As the psalter opened with the blessed man (Psalm 1) and the righteous king (Psalm 2), so it closes with praise to the Lord. About 20% of the psalms can be seen as praise psalms, and even many of the laments end up in praise. As we mentioned above, the Psalms end with these five psalms that we could see as choruses of Hallelujah – Praise to the Lord!
Is it important to praise God? How often do we praise the Lord?
If you have trouble praising God, then remember these five psalms, and use them as prayers.
Concluding Prayer: Creator of the Universe, praise your name. Praise to our Lord Jesus, through whom we have come to know you as Father. Praise to the Holy Spirit, who keeps us focussed on the Cross, through which you saved us. Praise to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Conclusion
Over the past 12 months, we have spent some time in the psalms each month. These poems/songs were well known to Jesus and to the Early Church, and we need to spend more time with them. Please continue using the psalms to enhance your prayers.
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