We now come to the final psalms of adoration, each one of which opens and closes with the great call to praise. “Hallelujah, praise the Lord.”
The theme of this first is that of the sufficiency of God as the Helper of His people. It opens with the personal note of determination to praise (vv. Psa 146:1-2). As a background the inability of man to help is declared. He is not to be trusted, for “his breath goeth forth.” In contrast with this helplessness the strength of Jehovah is celebrated as manifested in creation, and the maintenance of order (v. Psa 146:6), As exercised on behalf of the needy and the oppressed (vv. Psa 146:7-9). Notice the descriptions of the people whom Jehovah helps. “The oppressed... the hungry... the prisoners... the blind... they that are bowed down... the righteous... the strangers... the fatherless and widow.”
Then notice how the Divine activity exactly meets the need. “Executeth judgement... giveth food... looseth... openeth the eyes... raiseth up... loveth... preserveth... upholdeth.” In contrast with the vanishing life of princes and sons of men, Jehovah reigns for ever, and is the God of Zion to all generations.