Psalms 146 - Introduction

CXLVI.

This liturgical hymn, beginning and ending with the familiar “Hallelujah,” is the first of the series of five which are sometimes called the “Greek” — in distinction to the “Egyptian” — Hallel. It was evidently composed for a time of great national depression, when the community, sick of dependence on the favour of foreign princes, turned more and more to the thought of the eternal righteousness and faithfulness of Jehovah.

The recurrence in a slightly changed form of Psalms 146:4 in 1Ma. 2:63 shows that the psalm was in existence when that book was written, and also serves to confirm the impression that it belongs to the Maccabæan age. The rhythm is varied.