Psalms – Chapter 146

Old Testament • 11 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 146 of Psalms begins: "Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise." Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.

2The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.

3Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises.

4Who telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.

5Great is our Lord, and great is his power: and of his wisdom there is no number.

6The Lord lifteth up the meek, and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.

7Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.

8Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth. Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, and herbs for the service of men.

9Who giveth to beasts their food: and to the young ravens that call upon him.

10He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.

11The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy.

Important Verses in Psalms 146

“Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.”

Psalms 146:1

“Who telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.”

Psalms 146:4

“Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.”

Psalms 146:7

“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy. ”

Psalms 146:11

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 146 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise." It concludes: "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1988). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Psalms Chapter 146, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the Church as mother and teacher remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2683).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 146 about?

Psalms 146 contains 11 verses. It opens with "Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise." and closes with "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 146?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Isaiah 27Shares people and themes with this chapterExodus 5Shares people and themes with this chapterLeviticus 4Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

How to Pray

Hope Prayer: Catholic Faith Trust in God During Difficult Times

10 min readRead article
How to Pray

Intercessory Prayer and Divine Mercy: A Catholic Perspective

11 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How to Use Faith to Embrace God's Mercy and Forgiveness

7 min readRead article
Explore All Articles