Re: Verse reading–Revelation 19:11-21, 20:1-10 (day two) “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” vs 1
Psalm 136 is known as the Great Hallel (the singular form of the more familiar Hallelujah). This word can be translated “Praise.” There are several portions of the book of Psalms that, depending on your translation, begin “Praise the Lord”, or “Hallelujah.” The over-arching theme of the psalter one of praise, and as you move toward the later chapters it is inescapable. What is even more profound is that even in the psalms of lamentation there is some element praise. There is a recognition of God’s ultimate sovereignty in all things, and that in all circumstances we are to praise him. Psalm 136 is a great reminder of that. After every verse is the refrain his love endures forever.
How appropriate then, after the fall and destruction of Babylon, and the pouring out of God’s righteous wrath upon the world, the multitudes shout Hallelujah! God is sovereign. He is in control. Set your gaze not on what is falling apart, but on his face, and then Praise! Hallelujah!
