Psalm 146 is one of the five great “Hallelujah” psalms (146–150) that close the Psalter. It is a hymn of praise that deliberately contrasts the powerless help offered by human princes with the mighty, faithful help given by the God of Jacob. In the Advent setting, however, the Church selects only the second half (vv. 6c–10), focusing entirely on God’s tender care for the weak and marginalized:

• gives bread to the hungry
• sets prisoners free
• opens the eyes of the blind
• raises those who are bowed down
• loves the righteous
• protects the stranger
• sustains orphan and widow
• frustrates the wicked

These actions echo the “jubilee” promises of Isaiah (cf. Isa 61:1–2, quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18–19) and Mary’s Magnificat. They paint a portrait of the coming Messiah who will reverse every form of human misery.

The urgent refrain “Come, Lord, and save us” (in Latin: Marana tha – “Come, Lord!”) turns the psalm into a cry of longing. During Advent it expresses Israel’s ancient hope and the Church’s eschatological desire for Christ’s return in glory, when every injustice will finally be righted and God’s reign will be established “from age to age.”