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Psalm 150

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  Psalm 150 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!" This psalm uses the word "praise" thirteen times, which is a fitting way to end the Book of Psalms. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-6 What do these verses show us about WHERE, WHY, and HOW God should be praised, as well as WHO should praise Him? Now at the end of the Book of Psalms, what do I praise God for the most? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let Everything that has Breath" by Matt Redman:  Link

Psalm 149

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  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy

Psalm 148

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  Psalm 148 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  This praise psalm begins and ends with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!" This psalm is a call to all creation in heaven and earth to join in praising our Creator, Sustainer and LORD. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-6 These verses are a call to "Praise the LORD from the heavens " (v.1).  Why is God worthy of praise? Verses 7-14  These verses are a call to "Praise the LORD f rom the earth " (v. 7).  Why should God's people especially praise Him?  If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "All Creatures of Our God and King" by Sovereign Grace Music:  Link [NOTE:  This hymn was originally written by St. Francis of Assisi with inspiration from Psalm 148 (and Psalm 145) and translated into English

Psalm 147

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  Psalm 147 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  This praise psalm begins and ends with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  It may be postexilic, written after the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem.  God's People are to praise the One who cares, the Almighty Creator, and the LORD who has given us His Word that we might know Him. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-6 What are some of the reasons why we are to praise the LORD? Verses 7-11 The LORD, who has power over all creation, "is pleased with those who fear Him" (v. 11). How can I live a life that is pleasing to the LORD? Verses 12-20 God's people have been blessed by God like no other (v. 20). What special blessings and privileges have I received from the LORD?  If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube vide