The grand charge—“Praise the Lord!”—is the opening line and closing line of the last five Psalms and is actually found a total of 18 times in those psalms. Even more, in Psalms 146-150, the word “praise” is found 43 times, which is almost one per verse. God puts a great emphasis in these closing psalms on praising Him. What reasons does He give?
He “made the heaven and earth…keeps truth forever…executes justice for the oppressed… raises those who are bowed down…loves the righteous…relieves the fatherless and the widow…turns upside down the way of the wicked” (146:6-9). “He heals the brokenhearted… lifts up the humble…takes pleasure in those who fear Him” (147:3-6). “His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven” (148:13). He “takes pleasure in His people…will beautify the humble with salvation” (149:4). “Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!” (150:2). Our Lord is so worthy of praise!