Psalm 146 Study Notes

146:1 The last five psalms each begin and end with Hallelujah! (see note at 104:35).

146:2 Notice that singing to our God is commended here.

146:3 Nobles were the best of men—generous, giving freely (the “willing” in Ex 35:5,22). Such a person could help immensely in this life but could not bestow eternal life (Ps 118:9; cp. Pr 19:6).

146:4 The fleeting nature of life affects everyone, and every man (Hb ’adam in v. 3) eventually returns to the ground (Hb ’adamah), reversing creation (Gn 2:7; 3:19). Kings and leaders suffer the same fate (Ps 39:5-6; 90:3-6; 102:11).

146:5 The phrase God of Jacob recalls Israel’s early history before it became an established nation (20:1; 46:7,11; 84:8; cp. Ex 3:15).

146:6 The formula Maker of heaven and earth . . . and everything in them often occurs as a polemic, underscoring the omnipotence of Yahweh and contrasting his power with impotent gods and leaders (96:5; Neh 9:6; Is 37:16; 44:24; 45:18). The Lord’s integrity is guaranteed by his holy nature.

146:7-9 The psalmist emphasized God’s faithful provision and his role as deliverer (68:6; 82:3-4; Is 42:7). He defends the cause of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens (see note at Ps 68:5-6). This practice is based in cultic law that was established early in Israel’s history (Ex 22:21-22; Dt 24:17).

146:10 The Lord, as Israel’s King, will reign forever, rendering the help earthly kings cannot provide (cp. vv. 3-4).