Psa 146 | MHM | STEP | The Divine Bounty This psalm was likely written by David, who was a great king. Even though he was powerful, David did not think he was too important to praise God himself. He believed that praising God was not only his duty but also his joy and privilege. David wanted to lead by example, showing everyone that no matter how high your position, you should always give thanks and praise to God. He also warns not to put your trust in human leaders, because even the greatest people are weak and can die. Only God is always able to help and save. v. 1-2 : David begins by stirring up his own heart to praise, saying, “Praise the Lord , O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord : I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being” (Psalm 146:1-2 ). He promises to praise God with his whole heart for his entire life, and he looks forward to praising God forever, even after this life.

‏ Psalms 146

The Divine Bounty

This psalm was likely written by David, who was a great king. Even though he was powerful, David did not think he was too important to praise God himself. He believed that praising God was not only his duty but also his joy and privilege. David wanted to lead by example, showing everyone that no matter how high your position, you should always give thanks and praise to God. He also warns not to put your trust in human leaders, because even the greatest people are weak and can die. Only God is always able to help and save.

v. 1-2: David begins by stirring up his own heart to praise, saying, “Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being” (Psalm 146:1-2 ^a). He promises to praise God with his whole heart for his entire life, and he looks forward to praising God forever, even after this life.

–

v. 3: David warns, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” . He knows that even the strongest rulers cannot always save us. They are only human and can fail or change their minds.

v. 4: David reminds us that people are mortal. He says, “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish” . When a person dies, all their plans and promises end. So we should not put our hope in people, but in God, who lives forever (Genesis 3:19 ^b).

Encouragement to Trust in God

The psalmist, after warning not to trust in human rulers, now encourages us to place our trust in God. Unlike people, who are weak and temporary, God is powerful, faithful, and eternal. When we trust in Him, we are truly blessed and secure. The psalm shows us many reasons why God is worthy of our confidence.

v. 5: The psalmist says, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” . True happiness comes from trusting in God, not in people. God, the “God of Jacob,” helps His people both in public troubles and personal needs. He is always ready to provide and protect.

v. 6: The psalmist reminds us that God is the Creator, saying, “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever” . Because God made everything, He has the power to help in any situation. Also, He is completely faithful and will always keep His promises.

v. 7: God is described as a defender of the oppressed and a provider for the needy. “Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners” . God supports those who are wronged, feeds the hungry, and sets captives free. This foreshadows the work of Jesus, who came to bring both spiritual and physical freedom (Isaiah 61:1-2 ^c).

v. 8: The psalmist continues, “The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous” . God heals the blind, lifts up the weary, and loves those who seek to live righteously. These acts of kindness remind us of Jesus’ ministry, where He healed the sick and gave spiritual sight to the lost (John 9:32 ^d).

v. 9: God is also a protector of the vulnerable. “The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down” . God watches over strangers, orphans, and widows—those who often lack support. At the same time, He defeats the plans of wicked people who harm others.

v. 10: The psalm ends with a declaration of God’s eternal reign: “The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations” (Psalm 146:10 ^e). Unlike human rulers, God’s kingdom lasts forever. This is a source of great comfort and hope for His people, knowing He will always protect and guide them.