12. Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
(PSALMS 146—150)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Psalms 146—150. This lesson references content in Be Exultant. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
The last five psalms are the “hallelujah psalms” that focus our attention on praising the Lord. Psalm 146 begins with a vow to praise God throughout life. The next psalm tells us it is “good and pleasant” to praise the Lord, and 148 reminds us that when we praise God, we join with all creation, for heaven and earth praise Him. In 149, God’s people are admonished to worship joyfully, and the last psalm tells us where and why and how “everything that has breath” should praise the Lord. These five psalms are a short course in worship, and God’s people today would do well to heed their message. Sanctuaries are turning into religious theaters, and “worship” is becoming more and more entertainment. The author of this psalm understood that God was not just a part of life but the heart of life. Paul had the same conviction (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
—Be Exultant, page 209
1. How can you determine whether praise is true praise or merely entertainment? How do these “hallelujah” psalms differ from the others you’ve studied so far? What makes them such great examples of praise? What can we learn from them as we attempt to praise God in our churches?
More to Consider: Read Ephesians 5:25; John 3:16; Deuteronomy 4:37; and Romans 5:8. How does each of these verses reveal who the Lord loves (Ps. 146:7–8)?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Psalms 146—150 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
When Nehemiah and his people finished rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, restoring the gates, and resetthng the people, they called a great assembly for celebration and dedication, and it is likely that Psalm 147 was written for that occasion (vv. 2, 12–14; Neh. 12:27–43). The verb “gather together” in verse 2 is used in Ezekiel 39:28 for the return of the captives to Judah, and the word outcasts in verse 2 is used for these exiles (Neh. 1:9).
—Be Exultant, page 211
3. What are some of the reasons the people should praise the Lord, according to Psalm 147? In what ways does this psalm illustrate God’s active work among His people? Circle or underline God’s actions described in Psalm 147.
From the Commentary
The word praise is used thirteen times in Psalm 148. The psalm begins in the highest heavens and ends with the little nation of Israel. If any psalm reveals the glory and grandeur of the worship of the Lord, it is this one, for it is cosmic in its dimensions and yet very personal in its intentions. How anyone could trivialize the privilege and responsibility of worship after pondering this psalm is difficult to understand.
—Be Exultant, page 214
4. What does Psalm 148 teach us about the scope of our praise? How does the church today express this diversity of praise? Why is it important to understand the breadth of our praise?
More to Consider: Review Psalm 148:7–13. How does nature express its praise?
From the Commentary
If you read Psalm 148 with Jesus in mind, you can see how much greater He is than anything or anyone mentioned, for He is the Creator of all things (John 1:1–3; Col. 1:16–17). He is Captain of the hosts of the Lord (Josh. 5:14), the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2; Luke 1:78), and the Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). When ministering here on earth, He demonstrated power over storms (Matt. 8:23–27; 14:23–33), trees (Matt. 21:18–22), and wild and domestic animals (Mark 1:13; 11:1–3). He is far above the angels (Heb. 1; Eph. 1:18–23; 3:10–11). He revealed the Father’s name (John 17:6) and glorified that name in all He was, said, or did (John 1:14; 2:11; 11:4, 40; 12:28; 14:13; 17:4). In all things, Jesus Christ has the preeminence (Col. 1:18).
—Be Exultant, page 216
5. How does reading Psalm 148 with Jesus in mind change your understanding of the psalm? What does it reveal about Jesus? How is this an example of the richness of God’s Word?
From the Commentary
Everything that God’s people do in serving and glorifying the Lord must flow out of worship, for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). The most important activity of the local church is the worship of God, for this is the activity we will continue in heaven for all eternity. Psalm 149 is a primer on worship and gives us the basic instructions we need.
—Be Exultant, page 216
6. In what ways is praise an “honor” (Ps. 149:5)? Why does this matter? In what ways can praise be a weapon (vv. 6–9)? Is this evident today? Explain.
From the Commentary
When you read and study the psalms, you meet with joys and sorrows, tears and trials, pains and pleasures, but the book of Psalms closes on the highest note of praise! Like the book of Revelation that closes the New Testament, Psalm 150 says to God’s people, “Don’t worry—this is the way the story will end. We shall all be praising the Lord!” The word praise is used thirteen times in this psalm, and ten of those times, we are commanded to “Praise him.” Each of the previous four books of psalms ends with a benediction (41:13; 72:18–19; 89:52; 106:48), but the final book ends with a whole psalm devoted to praise. Like the previous psalm, it gives us a summary of some essentials of true worship.
—Be Exultant, page 219
7. In what ways is Psalm 150 a particularly fitting psalm to end the book of Psalms? What does the final verse (v. 6) tell us about the God who is worthy of praise? About His plan for His creation?
From Today’s World
An informal survey of churches in your community will quickly illustrate the diversity that is evident in the praise and worship time. While some churches are content with piano or organ accompaniment for hymns or worship songs, others march out a full rock band and vocalists to lead their rousing worship time. Some worship services are mostly pensive or reflective, while others are loud and energy driven.
8. What does the diversity of praise and worship from church to church say about our churches? About our understanding of praise? When does a worship time become entertainment instead of worship? What are practical steps that can be taken to avoid turning the worship time into a concert that denies the congregants’ participation?
From the Commentary
Hallelu Yah—hallelujah—“Praise the Lord!” Jehovah (or Yah, for Yahweh) is the covenant name of the Lord. It reminds us that He loves us and has covenanted to save us, keep us, care for us, and eventually glorify us, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Son, on the cross. The new covenant was not sealed by the blood of animal sacrifices but by the precious blood of Christ. “God” is the “power name” of God (El, Elohim), and this reminds us that whatever He promises, He is able to perform. Worship is not about the worshipper and his or her needs; it is about God and His power and glory. Certainly we bring our burdens and needs with us into the sanctuary (1 Peter 5:7), but we focus our attention on the Lord.
—Be Exultant, pages 219–20
9. What are examples from your church experience that illustrate the dangers of making worship about the worshipper instead of about the Creator? How can a worship leader help direct the members’ attention on the Lord instead of the singers or band onstage?
From the Commentary
When it is used correctly, by God’s grace and for God’s glory, the human voice is the most perfect musical instrument in the world, but we find no prohibitions in Scripture against using man-made instruments in the worship of God. Instruments will be used in heaven (Rev. 5:8; 8:6–12), and there will also be singing (Rev. 5:9–14; 15:1–4). The psalmist seems to be describing an orchestra that has stringed instruments, percussion instruments, and wind instruments. The trumpet was the shofar or ram’s horn that the priests and Levites used (Ps. 47:5; 98:6) along with the harp and lyre (1 Chron. 25:1). The timbrel was probably what we know today as a tambourine. It was usually played by the women to accompany their sacred dances (Ex. 15:20–21). There were two kinds of cymbals, smaller ones that gave a clear sound and larger ones that gave a loud sound. But the final verse sums it up. Whether you can play an instrument or not, no matter where you live or what your ethnic origin, male or female, young or old—“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” After all, that breath comes from the Lord (Acts 17:25), and if things that do not have breath can praise the Lord (Ps. 148:8–9), surely we can, too!
—Be Exultant, page 221
10. What is unique about the way the “hallelujah” psalms portray God? Is there anything comparable to praise in the secular world? Why or why not? What makes praise such an important part of our relationship with God? How does it help us to know God? How does it keep us humble?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Psalms 146—150. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Describe a great time of praise you’ve experienced. What made it so special? How important was the state of your heart when you went into that time of worship? What are some practical things you can do to prepare your heart for praise and worship?
12. Is it easy for you to praise God? Why or why not? What are the obstacles that make it difficult sometimes? What setting makes it easiest for you to praise God?
13. Make a list of the things you want to praise God for today. Why do these particular things come to mind? How might that list have been different a month ago? How might it be different a month from now? What does this tell you about the relationship between praise and circumstance?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to learn how to praise God in all circumstances? Do you want to explore new ways to praise? Be specific. Go back through Psalms 146—150 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: As soon as possible, go to a praise and worship service at a church you’re not attending regularly. Be sure to go with an open mind and open heart. Observe and participate as you feel led, listening for a new way to praise God. You might also consider leading your own praise and worship time with your family or small group. It’s okay if you’re not a great singer or guitarist—praise can be spoken as well as sung.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.