Psalm 146: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 146 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls to praise Yahweh with the assertion that he will sing praises as long as he lives (vv. 1-2). He warns against putting trust in princes and mortals, noting that they cannot help and their thoughts perish when they die (vv.

Key verse

“Don’t put your trust in princes, each a son of man in whom there is no help.”
Psalms 146:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 146:1–2 Call to Praise the Lord
Psalm 146:3–4 Warning Against Trusting Mortals
Psalm 146:5–9 The Nature of God’s Help
Psalm 146:10 God's Eternal Reign

Discussion questions

In v3, why does the psalmist say not to put trust in 'princes'?
What does the psalmist mean by 'the God of Jacob' in v5?
In vv. 7-8, how does the psalmist connect God's actions to His character?
The phrase 'turns upside down' in v9: what does this suggest about God's justice?
When have you experienced God's help in a situation like 'the oppressed' in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 146: Proverbs 3, Jeremiah 17, Luke 4.

Before next time: read Psalm 147.