Big idea: God is most glorified in himself. Creation and redemption are merely the overflow of the fullness of his joy. Humanity is not at the centre of the universe! The Triune God is. The good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for sinners calls us into God’s story, a life of joy and pleasure we cannot fully comprehend.

Context: Psalms 146-150 make up the five-part conclusion to the Psalter. Each begins and ends with “Hallelujah”, which is a command meaning: “all of you, praise Yahweh!” Together, they comprise the soundtrack of the consummation of God’s eternal kingdom, a never-ending chorus of praise, the poetic expansion of Revelation 11:15: The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

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Five places where Hallelujah is commanded, for five reasons:

1. Hallelujah! Now, in these last days… (Psalm 148)
   1. From the heavenly realms, because he created and upholds them. (1-6)
   2. From the Earth, because of the horn he raised up. (7-14)
2. Hallelujah! On the last day… (Psalm 149)
   1. From the victorious assembly of the faithful, because God delights in them. (1-5)
   2. From the judgment of the nations, because it is the honour of his people. (6-9)
3. Hallelujah! In Eternity… (Psalm 150)
   1. From everyone everywhere with everything…because of God’s power and greatness. (1-6)

*This sermon owes a debt to a conversation between John Piper and Mark Dever on the Pastors Talk podcast and Psalms commentaries by Derek Kidner and Jim Hamilton.