“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30). According to Jewish tradition, Psalms 113 and 114 were sung prior to the Passover meal and Psalms 115 through 118 were sung after its completion. As…
At the Passover meal, the faithful Jew would traditionally sing Psalms 113 and 114 at the beginning of his observance and then sing Psalms 115, 116, 117, and 118 at its close. Matthew 26:30 lends credence to the possibility that Jesus did this…
The popularity of ingratitude and irreverence can be easily seen in society today; however, its folly may not be as readily apparent. Therefore, Psalm 111 is most helpful. It is a brief tutorial on why such attitudes and actions are foolish. Send…
Few word pictures are more stunning and breathtaking than the ones used by David in Psalm 103. Like an overstuffed pillow, he is bursting at the seams in his exuberant desire to praise the Lord so that all that is within him blesses…
As expected of any hymnal, the book of Psalms has many compositions of praise. Psalm 66 definitely fits the mold. It bursts forth with this vigorous pronouncement: “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; make…
Anyone addicted to selfies has failed to understand the genuine praiseworthiness of Jehovah. Unlike the person in the selfie, “the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:4-5). Send article as PDF
As the composer of Psalm 148 concludes his paean of praise, He succinctly states three of Jehovah’s unique and praiseworthy features when he writes: “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. And…
Psalm 148’s clarion call to zestful praise of Jehovah begins with the heavens (vv. 1-6; see yesterday’s post). It concludes with an equally rousing call to earth’s creations—”Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; fire and hail,…
Because of William J. Kirkpatrick’s composition of the music and use of Psalm 148 as the lyrics, the song “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!” probably has made this psalm the most recognizable and remembered of the Psalter’s “Hallelujah Chorus” (Psalms 146-150). Send article as…
