The opening “Praise the Lord” is actually the Hebrew Hallelu Yah – or Hallelujah as we would write it – which identifies this as a hymn of Praise.

This hymn is a circular movement – from praise to reverence to wisdom and back to praise. The expression of praise flows from a heart of gratitude for God’s mighty acts. This leads to reverence (fear of the Lord) which leads to wisdom which leads back to praise.