Psalms 146 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 146

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, the renowned ruler of ancient Israel. Psalm 146 is one of the final psalms in this revered collection, offering a powerful message of praise and trust in God’s unwavering care for His people. The psalmist, whose identity remains unknown, exhorts the reader in this chapter to put their faith in the Lord, rather than in the fleeting promises of earthly powers. The passage highlights God’s justice, compassion, and sovereignty, reminding us that He is the true source of hope and deliverance. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the psalmist’s unwavering commitment to the Lord and the profound implications this has for our own lives.

The psalmist’s words echo the sentiments expressed in other biblical texts, such as Jeremiah 17:5-8, which warns against trusting in mere mortals and encourages reliance on the Lord. Similarly, the psalmist’s emphasis on God’s care for the oppressed and the needy resonates with the teachings of Jesus, who championed the cause of the marginalized (Matthew 25:31-46). Studying this psalm reminds us of the timeless truth that our ultimate hope and security can only be found in the eternal, all-powerful God.

Psalms 146:1-2

The call to praise the Lord is presented in Psalms 146:1-2. The psalmist begins by exclaiming, “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” This opening sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, emphasizing the importance of praising God with one’s whole being and for one’s entire life. The psalmist’s declaration to praise the Lord as long as they live underscores the eternal nature of worship and devotion to God.

The act of praising God is a central theme throughout the book of Psalms and the Bible as a whole. Praise is not just a simple act of gratitude, but a deep display of faith and love towards God. This act of praising the Lord with our whole being is a reminder for us to continuously acknowledge His greatness, faithfulness, and sovereignty in our lives. It is an acknowledgement of God’s importance and supremacy above all else. We delve deeper into the significance of the “soul” as it represents the core of one’s being, the very essence of who we are. The psalmist conveys the depth and sincerity of the worship being offered by proclaiming that the soul will praise the Lord. This notion reflects the idea that our worship should not be shallow or perfunctory but should come from the depths of our being, reflecting a genuine and passionate connection with God.

The psalmist’s commitment to praising the Lord as long as they live serves as a model for believers to maintain a steadfast faith and devotion to God throughout their lives. This steadfastness in worship echoes other verses in the Bible that encourage continuous praise and devotion, such as Psalm 103:1-2, which says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,” emphasizing the importance of remembering and acknowledging God’s blessings as we offer our praise. Believers are encouraged to engage in worship that is sincere, deep, and enduring by the powerful message of wholehearted and continuous praise to the Lord conveyed in these opening verses of Psalm 146. The call to praise the Lord with one’s soul and for the duration of one’s life serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of our relationship with God and the importance of honoring Him with our whole being.

Psalms 146:3-4

The verse in Psalms 146:3-4 is broken down into two significant sections: “Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.”

Here, the psalmist cautions against placing one’s trust in earthly rulers or human leaders. The term “princes” can refer to those in positions of power, authority, or leadership. People in biblical times often looked up to kings, rulers, or governors for protection, provision, and guidance. Yet, the verse highlights the limitations of human leaders; they are fallible, mortal, and ultimately unable to save or offer complete protection. This message serves as a reminder for people to be cautious in placing their ultimate trust and hope in earthly figures.

The timeless message here is that while human leaders can be important for governance and guidance, they are not infallible or capable of providing ultimate salvation. This sentiment is reflected in other parts of the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 17:5 which states, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” This theme reinforces the idea that true deliverance and salvation can only come from God, who is eternal, omnipotent, and can be fully trusted.

1. “When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
   on that very day his plans perish.”

This section emphasizes the transient nature of human life and human plans. Regardless of a person’s power or position, death is the ultimate equalizer. When a person dies, their breath (or spirit) returns to the earth, and all their earthly plans, ambitions, and agendas come to an end. This verse serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human life and achievements.

The concept of the fleeting nature of life is a common theme throughout the Bible. The verse in James 4:14 states, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This idea underscores the importance of focusing on eternal matters and placing one’s trust in the eternal God rather than in temporary human constructs. Believers are reminded in Psalms 146:3-4 to place their ultimate trust in God, the unchanging and eternal source of salvation, rather than in mortal and fallible human leaders. The verse also serves as a poignant reminder of the brevity of human life and the importance of focusing on eternal values rather than fleeting earthly pursuits. This message of trusting in God’s eternal nature over human transience resonates throughout the Bible, offering wisdom and guidance for living a life centered on faith and divine purpose.

Psalms 146:5-7

Verse 5 of Psalms 146 starts with “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” This verse emphasizes the blessing and happiness that comes from seeking God’s help and putting one’s hope in Him. The mention of “the God of Jacob” is significant as it refers to the God who was faithful to Jacob, despite his flaws and shortcomings. Jacob, also known as Israel, was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout his life, we see the transformative power of God as Jacob wrestled with Him and was renamed Israel, signifying a new identity as a person who struggled with God and prevailed. This reference to Jacob reminds us that God is not just the God of the perfect or flawless, but He is a God who meets us where we are and transforms us through our struggles and weaknesses.

Moving on to verse 6, which states, “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever.” This verse highlights the power and majesty of God as the Creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. It underscores God’s sovereignty and authority over all creation. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” echoes this declaration with the opening lines of the Bible in Genesis 1:1.” It sets the foundation for understanding God as the supreme Creator and sustainer of all things. We are reminded of His divine attributes, His eternal nature, and His omnipotence by recognizing God’s role as the Creator.

Lastly, verse 7 proclaims, “Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners.” This verse highlights God’s care and compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s heart for the oppressed and His call for His followers to seek justice and mercy for the needy. This verse reflects the character of God as a defender of the weak and a provider for those in need. It echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-36, where He speaks about the importance of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned as acts of service to Him. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of our calling as believers to advocate for justice, show mercy, and extend love to those who are suffering. Psalms 146:5-7 encapsulates powerful themes of trust in God, His sovereignty as Creator, and His compassion for the oppressed. It calls us to find happiness in seeking God’s help, to acknowledge His authority over all creation, and to emulate His heart for the vulnerable in society. These verses remind us of the timeless truths found in the Bible about God’s character and His call for us to reflect His love and justice in the world.

Psalms 146:8-10

Several important sections in Psalms 146:8-10 convey deep spiritual truths and messages. Let’s break down these verses to dig into their rich meaning and significance in the context of the entire passage and the broader themes of the Bible.

The first part of verse 8 in Psalm 146 says, “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.” This declaration speaks to the divine power and compassion of God to bring sight to those who are physically blind but also metaphorically blind to the ways of God. This act of opening eyes is not just about physical sight but also about spiritual enlightenment and understanding. Throughout the Bible, sight is often used as a metaphor for understanding and perceiving God’s truth. Jesus performed physical miracles in the Gospels by giving sight to the blind, symbolizing his ability to bring spiritual insight and understanding to those who were spiritually blind (John 9:25).

Continuing with verse 8, it states, “The Lord raises those who are bowed down.” This powerful imagery of the Lord lifting up those who are bowed down is a clear depiction of God’s compassion and mercy towards the downtrodden and oppressed. The Bible is filled with accounts of God lifting up the lowly and oppressed, showing favor to the humble and contrite in spirit. This theme is echoed in the New Testament when Jesus proclaims that the humble will be exalted and the exalted will be humbled (Luke 14:11).

Moving on to verse 9, it reads, “The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” This verse highlights God’s special care and protection for vulnerable and marginalized groups in society, such as sojourners (foreigners), widows, and orphans. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent call to show compassion and justice towards these groups, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized. God commands Israel in the Old Testament to care for the sojourners, widows, and orphans, emphasizing His concern for the oppressed and marginalized (Deuteronomy 10:18).

Finally, in verse 10, it states, “The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” This concluding verse declares the eternal reign of God and His faithfulness throughout all generations. It brings to mind the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness that runs throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s eternal kingdom to the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Bible consistently affirms God’s eternal reign over all creation (Revelation 19:16). Psalm 146:8-10 beautifully encapsulates the timeless message of God’s compassion, justice, and sovereignty. It reminds us of God’s care for the vulnerable, His power to bring sight to the blind and raise up the oppressed, and His eternal reign over all generations. Reflecting on these verses can encourage us to trust in God’s provision, praise Him for His faithfulness, and seek to emulate His compassion and justice in our own lives.

After Psalms 146

The reverend stood before the congregation, his voice carrying the weight of the chapter’s message. The Lord is the true source of our hope and salvation, as we have seen. He is the one who upholds the cause of the oppressed and provides for the needy. But the journey does not end here. We will explore how the Lord’s faithfulness extends to all generations in the next chapter, and how we are called to praise Him with our whole being. Let us take this lesson to heart and let it guide us as we continue our path of righteousness.”