The Helper of Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

The liturgical nature of this hymn is apparent from the combination of commands addressed to a group (vv. 1a, 3, 10b), namely Zion personified (v. 10), and the testimony of a liturgist (“I” in v. 2). Thus the psalm opens with a call to praise (v. 1a), followed by the liturgist’s proclamation of praise (vv. 1b–2) and his instruction to the congregation (vv. 3–9), particularly in the form of a blessing (v. 5) and praises to Yahweh (vv. 6–9). It then closes with a summary addressed to Zion and a concluding call to praise (v. 10).

146:1–2  Praise the LORD is actually the familiar Hebrew phrase, hallelujah. After this call to praise to the congregation (which in Hb. is plural), a single voice steps forth to declare his intention to praise God. This i…