John Calvin Commentary Psalms 146:1

"Praise ye Jehovah. Praise Jehovah, O my soul." — Psalms 146:1 (ASV)

Praise Jehovah. The five last Psalms close with the same word with which they begin. But having in general called upon all to praise God, he addresses himself, or, which is the same thing, his soul, except that under the name of soul he addresses his inward self more emphatically.

We may infer from this that the influence which moved him was not volatile and superficial (as many will blame themselves for negligence on this point, and then immediately lapse into it again), but a steadfast and constant affection, followed up by activity, and proved by its effects not to be feigned.

As David felt that good endeavors are frustrated or hindered through the craft of Satan, he considers it proper to stimulate his own zeal first, before professing to be a leader or teacher to others. Although his heart was truly and seriously in the work, he would not rest in this until he had acquired still greater ardor.

And if it was necessary for David to stir himself up to the praises of God, how powerful a stimulant must we require for a more difficult matter when we aim at the divine life with self-denial. Regarding the religious exercise mentioned here, let us feel that we will never be sufficiently active in it unless we strenuously exact it from ourselves.

Since God supports and maintains His people in the world with the purpose that they may employ their whole life in praising Him, David very properly declares that he will do this to the end of his course.