Psalm 41 Continued…
Psalm 41:13 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
This verse is a simple doxology to close out David’s plea before the Lord. The Hebrew word for “Praise be” is the word “baruk” (often translated as “blessed”). David opens this Psalm with another Hebrew word for “Blessed”, the word (‘ashre). The word ‘ashre is always applied only to people or a person. This person is ‘ashre (blessed) as David was saying of himself in verse 1. But baruk can only be ascribed to God because of His inherent worth. So, “Praise be” is an offering of praise to God for who He is and what He has done.
That phrase “from everlasting to everlasting” speaks language of eternity. The repeated “amen” reinforces the affirmation. The implication is that this is the affirmation of all affirmations.
A doxology is simply an expression of praise to God. That is exactly how David chooses to end this Psalm. It is beautiful. Probably the most well-known doxology for the Christian church is this one:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
It was composed by Thomas Ken in 1674. Ken was an Anglican minister in England. He wrote many things throughout his life, including many hymns and poetry. But nothing quite had the impact of the simple, beautiful words of this famous Doxology that has stood the test of time in the Christian Church.
Pray
Father you are worthy of all our praise!