Psalms 147:1

The text of this verse seems to be in some confusion. The Hallelujah, which ought, as in the other Psalms of this group, to stand by itself as the summons of the precentor to the congregation (see on Psalms 104:35), here forms part of Psalms 147:1, the construction of which is otherwise awkward and anomalous. The LXX reads both Alleluiaand Praise ye the Lord, as in Psalms 148:1; and it is probable that the verse should read thus:

Hallelujah.

Praise ye Jehovah, for it is good;

Make melody to our God, for it la pleasant;

Praise is comely,

or, for he is good … he is gracious (lit. pleasant, cp. Psalms 27:4). Cp. Psalms 135:3, on which this verse is based: line 3 is from Psalms 33:1.