Psalms of Praise

Introduction

(Psalms 8, 19, 29, 33, 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 114, 117, 135, 136, 145 – 150)

The Psalms of Praise are constructed around three key elements:

1. A call to praise or introduction

2. A cause for praise (usually for God’s attributes or deeds)

3. A conclusion

Psalm is organized into five books. Each book concludes with a doxology, with the entire book of Psalms capped by Psalm 150, a grand ascribing of praise to God.

• Book 1 - 1-41 — DOXOLOGY: 41:13
• Book 2 - 42-72 — DOXOLOGY: 72:18,19
• Book 3 - 73-89 — DOXOLOGY: 89:52
• Book 4 - 90-106 — DOXOLOGY: 106:48
• Book 5 - 107-150 — DOXOLOGY: 150

Commmaded to Praise

At least 250 times we can find declarative statements regarding praising God in the Bible.

We are to say praiseworthy things of God. Not just: "Praise God", "Hallelujah".

HALLELUJAH: praise ye Jehovah, frequently rendered "Praise ye the LORD," stands at the beginning of ten of the psalms (106,111-113,135,146-150), hence called "hallelujah psalms." The Greek form of the word (alleluia) is found in Revelation 19:1,3,4,6.

Praise is not a feeling, but is a conscious and thoughtful action of extolling God for who He is and what He has done. While singing even a simple song thoughtfully consider God in his love, mercy, holiness, magnificence, etc.

Psalm 117:1-2 — 1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 150:2 — Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

What is Praiseworthy about God?

PRAISEWORTHY: deserving approval and admiration.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Psalms 8

• Excellent is Thy Name v. 1

EXCELLENT: superior; very good of its kind; eminently good; first-class

• Glorious (above the heavens) v. 1

GLORIOUS: possessing or deserving glory; marked by great beauty or splendor; delightful, wonderful

• Strong and the Strength Giver vs. 2,6

Psalm 19

• Glorious in His Handy Work (of making the heavens) v. 1

• His Law is Perfect, Right, Pure, Enlightening, Desirous (day and night utter knowledge) v. 7

PERFECT: having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be: ideal, model, without fault, faultless, flawless, consummate, quintessential, exemplary, best, ultimate, absolute; complete.

Psalm 29

33, 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 114, 117, 135, 136, 145 – 150

Psalm 135

• the LORD is good v. 3

GOOD — to be desired or approved of; having the qualities required for a particular role: fine, superior, quality; that which is morally right; righteousness: virtue, righteousness, morality, integrity; benefit or advantage to someone.