Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah

A Sermon based on the Hymn Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah by William J. Kirkpatrick

Introduction:
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” is a majestic hymn that lifts our hearts and voices in full adoration of the Almighty God. Based directly on Psalm 148, the hymn calls all of creation—heavenly hosts, natural elements, living creatures, rulers of the earth, and God’s people—to unite in giving praise to Jehovah. The word “Hallelujah” means “Praise the LORD,” and this hymn reminds us that praising God is a divine responsibility. From the heights of heaven to the depths of the sea, everything that has breath is called to declare His glory (Psalm 150:6).

The hymn is deeply scriptural, inviting worshippers to recognize God's eternal authority, creative power, and covenant love. It lifts our eyes upward to the One who reigns over all. Singing this song is an act of surrender, reverence, and joy. It joins us with the angels and the sun and moon in offering glory to God whose name is exalted. Each stanza builds upon the next, encompassing more of creation and leading to the praise of His faithful people.

As we reflect on this hymn, let us sing with our hearts, our lives, and our choices. We were created to glorify Him. Let us fulfill our purpose—today and forever—by saying, living, and singing, “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!”

Stanza One – “Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah, from the heavens praise His name”
The hymn opens by echoing Psalm 148:1–2: “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts!” Praise begins above us. The angels, heavenly hosts, stars, and sky proclaim His majesty. Before we lift our voices, heaven is filled with praise. Jehovah, the self-existing, eternal God, receives praise from realms unseen. As we add our voices, we join in worship that is already resounding. God is worthy of praise because of His eternal identity and glory.

Stanza Two – “Praise Jehovah in the highest, all His angels praise proclaim”
The second stanza expands the call to praise: sun, moon, shining stars, highest heavens, and waters above the skies—all are summoned to glorify God. Psalm 148:3–6 tells us that these elements were created by God’s command and continue by His decree. Their order and beauty reflect His greatness. The sun shines, the moon governs the night, and the stars declare His handiwork. We give praise through submission and trust in the purpose He has given us.

Stanza Three – “Let them praises give Jehovah, they were made at His command”
This verse emphasizes that all things exist because of God’s word. Psalm 33:6, 9 says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made… For He spoke, and it was done.” God created with power and wisdom. His voice brought the universe into existence and sustains it. Everything created is sustained by His will and design. Praise acknowledges this divine origin and purpose.

Stanza Four – “All ye fruitful trees and cedars, all ye hills and mountains high”
The praise moves to earth. Psalm 148:9–10 names natural features, animals, and weather as elements that glorify God. The mountains, rivers, oceans, and trees reflect His wisdom and might. The heavens declare His glory and the firmament shows His handiwork. All of nature responds to its Maker. We are invited to join creation’s chorus.

Stanza Five – “Kings of earth, and all ye people, princes great, earth’s judges all”
Now the hymn addresses people—rulers, judges, men and women, old and young. Psalm 148:11–12 calls every person and every generation to worship. Kings and citizens, youth and elders, are all included. Worship is the rightful response of every soul made in His image. When people praise God, they fulfill their created role.

Stanza Six – “Let them praises give Jehovah, for His name alone is high”
The final stanza draws from Psalm 148:13–14, declaring that God’s name is above all others. His glory fills heaven and earth. He is Jehovah—the ever-present, all-powerful, covenant-keeping God. His people are His special possession. We are called to praise because of who He is and the relationship we have with Him. He gives strength and blessing to His people (Luke 1:69).

Chorus – “Hallelujah! Amen.”
The chorus powerfully affirms the message. “Hallelujah” means “Praise the Lord,” and “Amen” means “So be it.” These are words of affirmation and worship. When we sing them, we declare our faith and devotion. We respond to God’s glory with a resounding “Yes!”—in song and in life.

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1: Praise from the Heavens

• Psalm 148:1–2

• Worship begins in the heavenly realms

• Praise flows from God’s eternal identity

Stanza 2: Praise from the Cosmos

• Psalm 148:3–6

• Creation fulfills God’s purpose through order and beauty

• Submission honors our design

Stanza 3: Praise for Divine Authority

• Psalm 33:6, 9

• God’s word holds creative power

• Existence itself calls us to worship

Stanza 4: Praise from Creation

• Psalm 148:9–10

• Nature reflects God's wisdom

• Join in with the chorus of creation

Stanza 5: Praise from All People

• Psalm 148:11–12

• Every person is called to worship

• All generations find purpose in praise

Stanza 6: Praise for God’s Name and People

• Psalm 148:13–14; Luke 1:69

• His name is exalted

• God strengthens His people

Chorus: Eternal Praise Affirmed

• Psalm 150:6

• “Hallelujah” and “Amen” express reverence

• Worship continues in song and life

Call to Action:

Will you offer your life in praise to Jehovah? The stars shine, the seas roar, and the angels sing to glorify their Creator. You, too, have a voice to raise and a life to offer. Let your worship go beyond song. Let it be seen in your faith, your obedience, and your love. Lift your heart and say with all creation, “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!”

Key Takeaways:

• All creation is called to praise Jehovah, from the heavens to the earth (Psalm 148:1–10)

• God’s word holds creative and sustaining power (Psalm 33:6, 9)

• His name is exalted above all (Psalm 148:13)

• People of all ages and ranks are included in the call to praise (Psalm 148:11–12)

• We fulfill our purpose when we join in praise (Psalm 150:6)

Scripture Reference List:

• Psalm 148:1–14 – Full scriptural basis for the hymn

• Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

• Psalm 33:6, 9 – Creation by the word of the Lord

• Luke 1:69 – God raised a horn of salvation for His people

Song History:

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in the 19th century, using the text of Psalm 148 as its foundation. Its musical setting conveys majesty and triumph, fitting for a psalm that exalts the glory of God across all creation. The hymn has been a favorite in the churches of Christ for generations, often sung to stir the soul and lift voices in powerful, united praise to the eternal King.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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