I’m glad the psalms end on a bright note of praise. There has been plenty of lament expressed throughout the Psalms (along with praise & thanksgiving). However, the Psalter ends on a crescendo of praise. Psalm 146 begins and ends with a corporate call to praise Yahweh – Hallelujah! (1, 10). Such praise is not just a momentary excitement but a lifetime practice. I, too, want to finish my journey praising Yahweh “while I have my being” (2). I am warned here not to put my trust in leaders, because in them “there is no salvation” or real deliverance or help. In the end, every son or daughter of Adam will die and return to the earth from which they came (Genesis 3:19). Death is the great and final equalizer. On the day of my death, all of my plans will perish (3-4). Does anything last beyond the grave? Yes! Hope in God my maker. I am blessed indeed because the God of Jacob is my help, and I have put my hope in him. His power was demonstrated in creation (6), and his character is seen in his faithfulness, justice and provision for the hungry (7a).
The psalm ends with more reasons to praise Yahweh. He sets prisoners free (7b), opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down and loves the righteous (8). He watches over travelers & upholds the widow and the fatherless (9a). He also deals justly with the wicked (9b). These verses clearly foretell the activity of Jesus Christ, who proved his authenticity and authority by these very deeds. (See Luke 4:18; 7:11-15, 22; 13:10-13; and Matthew 23.)
The final call to praise Yahweh is based on his eternal reign for every generation of God’s people. I for one will answer that call. Praise the LORD! Hallelujah!
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