The article "Psalm 146" by Henry Law highlights the significance of praising God as an essential aspect of the believer's life, emphasizing the theological doctrine of divine sovereignty and human dependence. Law contrasts reliance on earthly powers with the sufficiency found in the Lord, arguing that humans are ultimately futile in their strength and wisdom. He supports his arguments with Scripture, referencing passages such as Psalm 146:3-4, which warns against trusting in princes, and verses 5-10 that celebrate God's attributes of justice, provision, and compassion. The practical significance of this psalm lies in its call for the faithful to place their hope in God alone, reinforcing the Reformed doctrine of total dependence on God's grace and the futility of human effort in the face of divine authority.
Key Quotes
“Gratitude demands that praise should be our untiring exercise. Its performance brings delight.”
“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”
“Their payment may be desired at the mercy-seat and surely they will be redeemed.”
“God removes the shackles they go forth free.”
What does the Bible say about praising God?
The Bible emphasizes that praising God is essential for a believer's life, expressing gratitude and joy in His presence.
Psalm 146:1-2
How do we know God is our true help?
The Bible teaches that God is our ultimate source of help, unlike human leaders who are ultimately powerless.
Psalm 146:3-5
Why is God's power significant for Christians?
God's power is significant because it ensures His promises and protects His people against all trials.
Psalm 146:6-10
What does it mean that God preserves the righteous?
God preserves the righteous by providing them with protection, relief, and justice against oppression.
Psalm 146:9-10
Praise is the Psalmist's sweet employ. God's claims to praise are stated. May they attune our hearts to sing the heavenly theme!
1-2. "Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."
Gratitude demands that praise should be our untiring exercise. Its performance brings delight. Happy are the hours thus consecrated. Thus earth assimilates to heaven, where Hallelujahs are the constant sound.
3-4. "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."
It is a natural tendency to be influenced by external facade. Hence it is a common fault to court the favor of the rich and great. We are prone to lean on their support, and to look to them for help. But every man in his best estate is empty worthlessness. The Lord speaks, and thrones crumble. The Lord speaks, and the palace is exchanged for the grave. Tibni dies—Omri reigns. The grandest prince is but dust; and to dust he must return.
5-7. "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God; who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is; who keeps truth forever. Who executes judgment for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry."
While men are emptiness, sufficiency abounds in God. Happy are those who find safe shelter in His covering wings. Think of His boundless power. The heavens, the earth, and all therein are the creation of His will. Precious is His treasury of promises. Not one of them shall ever fail. Their payment may be desired at the mercy-seat, and surely they will be redeemed. Many foes oppress His servants, but their efforts are impotent. The cause of the righteous is vindicated. None prevail against them. All their need, also, is supplied. They lie down in green pastures; beside still waters they repose.
8-10. "The Lord frees the prisoners; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord preserves the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The Lord shall reign forever, even your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord."
Precious lessons are learned from contemplating God's gracious dealings. His people are born in the prison-house of Satan. God removes the shackles; they go forth free. They are blind by nature. He opens their eyes to see all the wonders of redeeming love. Heavy burdens often oppress them. He enables them to lay aside every weight so as to run with patience the heavenward road. He delights to cheer them with manifestations of His love. They are strangers and pilgrims in an enemy's land. He is their constant guardian. In family destitution He brings relief. But just wrath burns fiercely against His adversaries forever and forever. God shall reign inhabiting the praises of His people. Bless the Lord, O our souls. Amen.
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