Psalms 146

Chapter Summary

Psalms 146 begins with a call to praise God, who is worthy of worship and adoration. The psalmist then contrasts the limitations of human leaders with the power and faithfulness of God, who keeps His promises and executes justice for the oppressed. The chapter concludes with a reminder that God is the one who gives sight to the blind, lifts up the downtrodden, and loves the righteous. Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. Key verses include Psalms 146:3, which warns against trusting in human leaders, and Psalms 146:8, which describes God's care for the oppressed and the blind.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 146 is part of the final collection of psalms in the book of Psalms, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. The chapter is likely a post-exilic psalm, written during a time of great uncertainty and upheaval in Israel's history. In this context, the psalmist's emphasis on God's power and faithfulness is particularly relevant, as it reminds believers of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill God's promises to Israel and execute justice for the oppressed.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 146, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. This means letting go of our need for control and security, and instead, placing our hope and trust in God's power and faithfulness. As we do so, we can find true hope and security in a world filled with uncertainty and injustice.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 146 is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. The chapter emphasizes God's character as a helper of the oppressed, a healer of the brokenhearted, and a lover of righteousness. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's power and faithfulness, and of letting go of our need for control and security. In Psalms 146:5, the psalmist describes the blessedness of those who trust in God, and in Psalms 146:8, he emphasizes God's care for the blind and the downtrodden.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord is the helper of the oppressed, and the lifter up of the downtrodden. Let us trust in His power and faithfulness, and not in the arm of flesh.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist teaches us that true blessedness consists in trusting in God, and not in human leaders or earthly powers. Let us seek to cultivate this trust in our own lives, and to encourage others to do the same.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Psalm (Psalms 146:1-2) — The psalmist calls on the reader to praise God, who is worthy of worship and adoration. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and provision.
2. The Limitations of Human Leaders (Psalms 146:3-4) — The psalmist warns against trusting in human leaders, emphasizing their limitations and mortality. This warning is particularly relevant in a world where human leaders often fail to deliver on their promises.
3. The Power of God's Sovereignty (Psalms 146:5-6) — The psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty and provision, highlighting His power to execute justice and care for the oppressed. This emphasis on God's sovereignty is a reminder that He is the ultimate source of hope and security.
4. God's Care for the Oppressed (Psalms 146:7-9) — The psalmist describes God's care for the oppressed, highlighting His justice and compassion for those who are marginalized and vulnerable. This description of God's care is a reminder that He is a God of love and justice.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 146:10) — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing God's eternal kingdom, which is a reminder of His power and faithfulness. This conclusion is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 146 emphasizes God's sovereignty and provision, highlighting His power to execute justice and care for the oppressed. This doctrine is a reminder that God is the ultimate source of hope and security.

The Importance of Trusting in God

The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. This doctrine is a reminder that trust in God is the key to true hope and security.

The Character of God

The psalmist describes God's character as a helper of the oppressed, a healer of the brokenhearted, and a lover of righteousness. This description of God's character is a reminder of His love and justice.

The Eternal Kingdom of God

The psalmist concludes by emphasizing God's eternal kingdom, which is a reminder of His power and faithfulness. This doctrine is a reminder that God's kingdom is the ultimate reality, and that all other kingdoms will pass away.

Lessons from Psalms 146

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. This lesson is a reminder that trust in God is the key to true hope and security.
2. The Limitations of Human Leaders — The psalmist warns against trusting in human leaders, emphasizing their limitations and mortality. This lesson is a reminder that human leaders are not the ultimate source of hope and security.
3. The Power of God's Sovereignty — The psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty and provision, highlighting His power to execute justice and care for the oppressed. This lesson is a reminder that God is the ultimate source of hope and security.
4. The Character of God — The psalmist describes God's character as a helper of the oppressed, a healer of the brokenhearted, and a lover of righteousness. This lesson is a reminder of God's love and justice.
5. The Eternal Kingdom of God — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing God's eternal kingdom, which is a reminder of His power and faithfulness. This lesson is a reminder that God's kingdom is the ultimate reality, and that all other kingdoms will pass away.

Themes from Psalms 146

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. This theme is a reminder that trust in God is the key to true hope and security.
2. The Character of God — The psalmist describes God's character as a helper of the oppressed, a healer of the brokenhearted, and a lover of righteousness. This theme is a reminder of God's love and justice.
3. The Eternal Kingdom of God — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing God's eternal kingdom, which is a reminder of His power and faithfulness. This theme is a reminder that God's kingdom is the ultimate reality, and that all other kingdoms will pass away.
4. The Importance of Praise — The psalmist begins by calling on the reader to praise God, who is worthy of worship and adoration. This theme is a reminder of the importance of praising God for His sovereignty and provision.
5. The Limitations of Human Leaders — The psalmist warns against trusting in human leaders, emphasizing their limitations and mortality. This theme is a reminder that human leaders are not the ultimate source of hope and security.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which you are tempted to trust in human leaders or earthly powers, rather than in God's sovereignty and provision?
2. How does the psalmist's description of God's character in Psalms 146:5-9 encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and provision?
3. What are some ways in which you can cultivate trust in God's power and faithfulness in your own life?
4. How does the psalmist's emphasis on God's eternal kingdom in Psalms 146:10 encourage you to live with eternal perspective?
5. What are some ways in which you can encourage others to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 146

	Sermon	Description
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns	This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m
	What Is Your Life - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the themes of materialism, the inevitability of progress, and the sufficiency of man, reflecting on historical events like World War I and II, the devastati
	Unite My Heart by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the hope that people attach to political leaders and programs every four years. He emphasizes that throughout human history, people have sou
	The Burning Bush by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of preserving a pure testimony for God, focusing on the need to die to self, let go of personal opinions, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
	Wonders of Creation Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young brother in Austria who has two epileptic children. Despite the challenges they face, the speaker points out that i
	God's Glorious Works by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher shares a humorous story about a golfer who gets a hole in one despite struggling with his game. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the frustrat
	The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin
	Some Observations by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey and experiences with God. They talk about facing challenges and hardships, but also finding strength and guidance fro
	Principles of Godly Music by Earl Fox	In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the different components of music and how they relate to the different parts of man. He explains that the melody and lyrics of a song appeal
	I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 146

According to Matthew Henry, Psalms 146 is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than in human leaders or earthly powers. The psalmist emphasizes God's character as a helper of the oppressed, a healer of the brokenhearted, and a lover of righteousness. Henry notes that the psalmist's emphasis on God's sovereignty is a reminder that He is the ultimate source of hope and security. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's power and faithfulness, and of letting go of our need for control and security. Henry encourages us to cultivate trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to seek to glorify Him in all that we do. By doing so, we can find true hope and security in a world filled with uncertainty and injustice. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?