These last five songs are called the Hallelujah Psalms, each marked with the Hebrew word hallelujah at the beginning and end. They were composed for daily worship in synagogues, which of course tells us they were written after the Return from Exile. Scholars tell us the language is distinctly Post-Exile.
Notice that the Covenant name “Jehovah” is repeated frequently here, though you’ll find that most English translations render it “the Lord.” This psalm celebrates the Covenant promises, speaking in particular to the context of the first few generations of Returnees. Despite the generous offerings they brought back, they faced harsh resistance, political intrigue at Medo-Persian imperial court, and genuine military threat at times. Later they were hit with famines and other trials, so that the folks struggled to eke out a life in the rubble and ruins that was Jerusalem for quite some years.
Through it all, this psalm serves as a reminder that God has forgotten neither His people nor His promises. So the psalm begins with a hearty praise to His name. As long as there is breath to praise Him, so shall we give Him the first and last fruit of the lips. He is wholly unlike mere human nobles; they will eventually die. Jehovah is utterly trustworthy because He is the source of life itself.
How blessed are those who belong to the Covenant of Israel! He is the Creator of all things, and remains as the ultimate truth when it’s all gone. He delivers final justice for those who have been violated. He feeds the hungry and frees slaves. He heals those who suffer. Surely His heart goes out to those unjustly oppressed.
He particularly loves those who seek to live by His revelation. Even wanderers and aliens in the land receive His care. He’s there with the orphans and widows. You can be sure He will not allow the wicked to escape.
So to those huddled in the City of Jerusalem, the psalmist reminds them that, while the city may have been destroyed, the God who made it His capitol on the earth never vacates His throne. He’ll still be ruling there when all things come to an end. Praise the Lord!
