Psalm 146:1
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Hallelujah!
The term "Hallelujah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase "הַלְלוּיָהּ" (haleluyah), which means "Praise the LORD." This word is a compound of "halal," meaning "to praise" or "to boast," and "Yah," a shortened form of "Yahweh," the covenant name of God. The use of "Hallelujah" is a call to worship and an expression of exuberant praise. It is a universal declaration that transcends language and culture, inviting all believers to join in the adoration of God. Historically, "Hallelujah" has been used in both Jewish and Christian liturgies, signifying a timeless and communal act of worship.

Praise the LORD
The phrase "Praise the LORD" is a direct command and an invitation to worship. The Hebrew word for "praise" is "halal," which implies a sense of celebration and boasting in the greatness of God. "LORD" is translated from "Yahweh," the personal name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal faithfulness. In the context of the Psalms, praising the LORD is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, goodness, and mercy. It is a call to recognize His deeds and character, encouraging believers to focus their hearts and minds on His divine attributes.

O my soul
The phrase "O my soul" is a personal exhortation, indicating an introspective call to worship. The Hebrew word for "soul" is "nephesh," which refers to the entire being of a person, encompassing mind, will, emotions, and life itself. This expression suggests that worship is not merely an external act but an internal, heartfelt response to God. It emphasizes the importance of engaging one's whole self in the act of praising God. Historically, this reflects the Hebrew understanding of the soul as the seat of life and consciousness, urging believers to align their innermost being with the worship of God. The psalmist's use of "O my soul" serves as a reminder that true worship begins within, as an authentic and personal response to the majesty and grace of the LORD.

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.
God Alone Worthy of TrustC. Short Psalm 146:1-10
HallelujahDavid Thomas, D. D.Psalm 146:1-10
HallelujahPsalm 146:1-10
His Last SongSunday CirclePsalm 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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