1. Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2. I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.
3. Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4. When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.
5. Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6. who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever;
7. who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8. the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9. The LORD watches over the sojourners, he upholds the widow and the fatherless; but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10. The LORD will reign for ever, thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
Footnotes:
146:1-2 - The psalmist begins the psalm with a declaration of praise to God, emphasizing the importance of trusting in the Lord rather than in men. This trust should be a fundamental principle of faith (see also Psalm 111:1 and Jeremiah 17:5-7).
146:3-4 - The psalm warns against trusting in human princes and leaders, who are temporary and fallible. This message emphasizes the fragility of human certainties and the need to trust in the Lord (see also Psalm 118:8-9 and Isaiah 2:22).
146:5-7 - True happiness comes from trusting in God, who is the Creator and Redeemer. God is described as the one who executes justice and cares for those in need, which inspires us to act with compassion (see also Psalm 146:9 and Matthew 5:7).
146:8-10 - The Lord opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up the oppressed, demonstrating His love and care for people in need. This highlights God's redemptive character and the Church's mission to follow His example (see also Luke 4:18 and Matthew 25:40).
146:10:00 - The Lord will reign forever, reaffirming His eternal sovereignty. This truth gives us hope and security, even in times of uncertainty. Trust in God is fundamental to a life of faith (see also Psalm 93:1 and Revelation 11:15).
Verses related to Psalms, 146:
Psalm 146 inaugurates the final five psalms of praise. Why does the psalmist urge us to trust only in God? This vibrant hymn contrasts the frailty of human leaders with the eternal faithfulness of God. The psalm explores themes such as social justice, divine healing, and God's care for the vulnerable. Psalm 146 presents a holistic view of God's goodness at work in the world. Ponder with us five biblical passages that amplify the call to absolute trust in God expressed in this uplifting psalm.
Jeremiah 17:7: "But blessed is the man whose trust is in the Lord, whose trust is in him." - This verse echoes the theme of Psalm 146:3-5, which warns against trusting in princes and exalts trust in God.
Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." - Jesus quotes Isaiah, reflecting the themes of Psalm 146:7-8 about God setting captives free and giving sight to the blind.
James 1:27: "The religion that God, our Father, accepts as pure and immaculate is this: taking care of orphans and widows in their difficulties and not allowing oneself to be corrupted by the world." - This verse reflects God's care for orphans and widows mentioned in Psalm 146:9.
Revelation 11:15: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.'" - This passage celebrates God's eternal reign, echoing the theme of Psalm 146:10.
Acts 14:15: "Gentlemen, why are you doing this? We are also human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn away from these vain things and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them." - Paul and Barnabas describe God as the creator of all things, reflecting Psalm 146:6.
FAQ:
What does the psalmist say about trusting God in Psalm 146?
The psalmist urges us to trust in God, who is a sure and everlasting help, rather than princes and the sons of men, who are flawed. (Psalm 146:3-5)
What does God do for those who are oppressed?
God brings justice to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and frees prisoners. He is a God of compassion and restoration. (Psalm 146:7)
What is God's role in relation to the blind and the afflicted?
God gives sight to the blind, raises up those who are bowed down, and loves the righteous, showing His constant care for those in need. (Psalm 146:8)
Why does the psalmist praise God in Psalm 146?
The psalmist praises God for His faithfulness and eternal sovereignty, highlighting His power to create and sustain the world. (Psalm 146:10)
What does "blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help" mean?
It means that true happiness comes from trusting in the Lord, who is a safe refuge and help in every situation. (Psalm 146:5)
