Psalm 145
This is the final psalm ascribed to David and it concludes the section of psalms written by him (140-145). I find it fitting that in the last psalm by David, his focus is praising the Lord. The book of psalms is building to a crescendo of praise, and David, the king, praises God, his KING 1. He declares that he will praise the Lord 'everyday' and 'forever and ever' 2. Note: I am challenged by this verse because in my own life this is not yet a reality. After reading this entire psalm I long for this to be true of me. God is worthy of our praise 3. His greatness is spoken of and passed along from generation to generation 4-7. They (the old ones, I assume) speak 5, tell, 6, and celebrate the Lord 7 and David listens, learns and also joins in personally to meditate on God's works 5, proclaim them 6 and praise Him as well 21a. The Lord is exalted as David tells of His greatness: He is gracious and compassionate 8, good to all 9, faithful to His promises 13b, righteous in all His ways 17a, loving towards all He has made 17b, Near those who call to Him 18, watching over those who love Him 20, having an eternal kingdom 13a, meeting our every need 14-16, answering the cries of those who call on Him out of reverence and fear of the Lord 18-19. David states 'my mouth will speak in praise of the Lord...'21a. How could he not, as he just touched on the greatness of the Lord in these various ways ? The call of this last verse (21b) is one that each of us should heed ! If you need help, just keep reading and re-reading this psalm and consider the greatness of the Lord. As His word instructs your mind, your heart will be moved to believe in the Lord and respond with praise and worship for who HE is ! -Hallelujah !

Psalm 146
Psalms 146-150 are called the 'Hellel Psalms' because they each begin and end with the words 'praise the Lord' ('Hallelu Yah' in the Hebrew). The theme and focus of each is the Lord and the response of praise to Him. This final section in the psalms is appropriate as a crescendo to the book. Considering all the range of emotions, petitions, circumstances, difficulties, challenges, and victories the people of God face throughout life (and are touched on in some way in the psalms) it is fitting that this 'Old Testament Hymnbook' (if you would) ends with everyone and everything praising the Lord. The Westminster Confession of Faith is correct in its affirmation that 'Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever' (question & answer 1 in the larger catechism). The psalmist provides ample reasons for each of us to praise the Lord. As you read these final psalms, ask yourself 'Is my life a 'Hallelujah' life ? (ie. one that praises the Lord for who He is and all that He does). Psalm 146 begins with a commitment of one's life to praise the Lord 1-2. Trusting in human leaders and their plans is a futile thing 3-4. God, however, forms His people 5, He made the world 6, He helps the oppressed and sets prisoners free 7, He lifts up 8 and watches over those who are needy 9. The Lord reigns forever 10. This is good news. All that humanity plans and does comes to nothing, but the Lord is faithful and is eternal. Does this not cause you to say, from the heart, praise the Lord !

Psalm 147
It is good to sing the Lord's praises also 1. He builds up Jerusalem and gathers His people 2. He heals the broken hearted 3. He made all the stars too and He even gave each one a name 4. (Sorry to all who pay to have a star named after themselves or a loved one. The LORD already named them all). God also deals with the humble and the wicked, accordingly 6. The Lord also cares for the world He created by providing for the needs of His creatures 7-9. The Lord delights, not in abilities, but in those who fear and trust in Him 10-11. Note: This is something everyone called to do and is not dependent upon any natural ability or talent. God has shown Himself faithful in keeping His people 12-14. His greatness and glory are seen in the weather patterns, particularly in the snow and cold 15-18 (so no more complaints !) He has also given His Word and Law to His people (the Jewish nation), so that we might know Him. No other nation on earth had that special privilege granted them by the Lord. Note: We can praise the Lord that His chosen people preserved His Word with such extreme care and that it is available to us today. This too is by His amazing grace and is another reason to 'praise the Lord' !

Psalm 148
This psalm calls on all those who dwell in the heavens and those who are on the earth to 'praise the Lord'. The angels are to praise Him 2. The sun, moon, and stars are to praise Him 3. The highest heavens are to praise Him 4. Note: Can this mean all that is in the universe or what we call 'space' ? The reason they should is because 'the Lord created them' 5 and keeps and sustains them 6 ! Note: Oh how this ought to humble me and you and move us to praise the Lord who gives us life and our very existence. The creatures of the earth are then called on to praise the Lord. Both those in the seas 7 and those on land and in the air 10. All the various forms of weather are to praise him 8. The mountains, hills and trees are to praise Him 9. Note: As I observe the 'stately' old trees in my neighborhood, I can not help but think that these great trees are 'shouting' praise the Lord as His glory is seen in them. Wow ! (see: Isaiah 55:12). Humanity is to praise the Lord from the king to old men, to children 11-12. Why ? He alone is exalted and His splendor is above the earth and the heavens 13. Note: In theology the term used to capture this concept of the greatness and supremacy of God is His 'transcendence' (meaning He is far above all that He has made and is beyond our comprehension) Praise the Lord ! Yet this same Lord raises up one (a horn) for His people, the praise of all His saints and Israel who is 'close to His heart' 14. Note: Can this be a veiled reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the 'horn of salvation' - Psalm 18:2 ? Amazing and praiseworthy is the Lord who is transcendent and yet holds His people close to His heart. Hallelujah !

Psalm 149
God's people are called on to 'sing a new song to the Lord' 1. Why a new one ? Not because the old is no longer good or true, but because there is so much more for which to give the Lord praise. Israel was to praise the Lord for He was their Maker and King 2. Note: The same is true for the believer in Jesus. Dancing and making music to the Lord is part of the expressions of praise 3. The Lord 'takes delight' in His people and give the humble salvation 4. This moves the saints to praise Him 5. Verses 6-9 are difficult for me to understand as the people of God have His praise on their lips and yet a 'double-edged sword in their hands' 6 to 'inflict vengeance on the nations' and carry out punishment 7-8. Can this be one way God's Word is proven true and up-held by His people ? Consider verse 9 ? Note: Ryire suggests that this looks forward to the Millennial age and Christ's kingdom as in Isaiah 54:11-17. If you agree with that view or not, God's Word will come to pass and believers will, in some way, share in the judgment of the nations (see: Daniel 7:18,22,26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-2).

Psalm 150
This final psalm is the very apex of the call to praise the Lord. In this psalm you have everyone and everything commanded to praise the Lord. God is to be praised where ? In His sanctuary in in His mighty heaven 1. He is to be praised why ? For His acts of power and His surpassing greatness 2. He is to be praised how ? With the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine,  dancing, strings, flutes, and cymbals 3-5. Note: I do not think that these are the only instruments that are to be used in worship but are representative of all (brass, string, percussions,and woodwind instruments) Oh, and don't forget dance ! (artistic expressions). 'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord 6. Hallelujah ! Everyone and all of me is to be given to Him in worship and praise for all He is and all He does. Hallelujah !  AMEN and AMEN !