The book of Psalms moves from lamentation to praise, culminating in five songs all of which begin and end with the call to “Praise the LORD”. These final five progress from an individual decision to praise the LORD, to the final psalm which demands that, “everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Ps. 150:6), because…
Psalm 149 stands out from the preceding three songs of praise. It’s a battle hymn and, at first glance, it’s hard to see how it praises the LORD. But the message it sends unequivocally is that justice praises Him. Specifically, Our justice, justice executed at our hand. This raises many concerns so we approach the…
Psalm 146 marked the individual’s decision to praise the LORD. Psalm 147 is the voice of the praising community such individuals inevitably are made a part of. Psalm 148 shows how praise is much more than songs sung by men, it is the purpose and goal of the whole creation. But the psalm is structured…
The individual resolution to praise the LORD found in Psalm 146, inevitably leads to the corporate call to Jerusalem to praise Him. As such, Psalm 147 is about how God gathers and builds into one, those who pursue his praises. The psalm is structured around three commands, in verses 1, 7, and 12. And under…
The book of Psalms traces out a journey from lamentation to praise. The earlier psalms are more often songs of sorrow, and frustration, but – increasingly – more and more are songs of confidence, praise, and thanksgiving, until the book climaxes in five final songs of unbridled rejoicing in the LORD. This mirrors our walk…