Psalms 106:48
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This verse serves as the formal doxology concluding Book IV of the Psalms (Psalms 90-106). The Psalter is divided into five books, each ending with a doxology (Psalms 41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, and here). These divisions may reflect liturgical use in temple or synagogue worship. The phrase 'God of Israel' emphasizes covenant relationship despite exile and dispersion. The call for 'all the people' to say 'Amen' suggests congregational responsive reading, a practice well-established in Jewish worship (Nehemiah 8:6, 1 Chronicles 16:36). The doxology was likely added by temple musicians or scribes organizing the Psalter for liturgical use. Chronicles records that David appointed Asaph and his brothers to use this very psalm (1 Chronicles 16:34-36), showing its ancient liturgical function. The eternal nature of God's blessedness contrasts with the temporal nature of Israel's kingdoms and exile.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that this doxology emphasizes God's eternal nature after a psalm detailing Israel's temporal failures?
- What does the call for corporate 'Amen' reveal about the communal nature of faith and worship?
- How does identifying God as 'the LORD God of Israel' maintain covenant hope even in exile?
- In what ways does this liturgical structure (opening and closing with 'Praise the LORD') shape our understanding of confession and worship?
- Why might the editors of the Psalter have chosen this particular psalm to conclude Book IV?
Analysis & Commentary
This concluding doxology serves as both the end of Psalm 106 and the conclusion of Book IV of the Psalter. 'Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting' declares God's eternal nature and covenant relationship with Israel. 'From everlasting to everlasting' (Hebrew 'min ha'olam ve'ad ha'olam') emphasizes God's existence before time began and His continuation beyond all ages. The call for congregational response - 'let all the people say, Amen' - transforms personal meditation into corporate worship. 'Amen' (so be it) expresses agreement, confirmation, and commitment. The doubling 'Amen' appears only here and Psalm 89:52, indicating emphatic affirmation. 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah) bookends the psalm, begun in verse 1. This structure shows that despite Israel's failures and God's judgments detailed in the psalm, worship and covenant relationship endure.