Time after Pentecost · Proper 21 · Year C
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord, O My Soul
October 1, 2028
Overview & Insights
“The Lord executes justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry.” (Psalm 146:7)
The liturgical nature of this hymn is apparent from the combination of commands addressed to a group (vv. 1a, 3, 10b), namely Zion personified (v. 10), and the testimony of a liturgist (“I” in v. 2). Thus the psalm opens with a call to praise (v. 1a), followed by the liturgist’s proclamation of praise (vv. 1b–2) and his instruction to the congregation (vv. 3–9), particularly in the form of a blessing (v. 5) and praises to Yahweh (vv. 6–9). It then closes with a summary addressed to Zion and a concluding call to praise (v. 10).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Psalm 146 Working Preacher
The one Lutheran-tradition voice on this closing Hallelujah psalm.
Psalm 146 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Walks through the psalm's praise of God's faithful justice verse by verse.
Psalm 146:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Lines up multiple historic commentaries on the opening verse.
Psalm 146 (Gill's Exposition) StudyLight
Gives John Gill's full exposition of the psalm.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
What is Psalm 146?
A hymn urging trust in the Lord rather than princes, for he made heaven and earth and keeps faith forever, lifting the bowed down and watching over the stranger, the widow, and the orphan.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 16:19-31
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.