1 David’s [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
6 And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
8 The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
9 The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
13 Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
18 The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Table of Contents
ToggleOverview of Psalm 145
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise attributed to David, celebrating the greatness and goodness of God. It is an acrostic poem, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, showcasing the beauty of the Hebrew language and the structure of the psalm. This chapter emphasizes God’s attributes, His works, and His relationship with humanity.
Thematic Elements
- Praise and Worship: The psalm opens with a call to worship, emphasizing the importance of praising God daily and eternally.
- God’s Greatness: The psalmist reflects on the greatness of God, encouraging believers to meditate on His majestic works.
- God’s Goodness: The chapter highlights God’s goodness and mercy, emphasizing His compassion towards all creation.
- God’s Sovereignty: The psalm acknowledges God’s reign over all and His ability to provide and sustain His creation.
- God’s Faithfulness: The psalmist reassures readers of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Structure and Literary Devices
- Acrostic Form: The use of the Hebrew alphabet enhances memorability and reflects the completeness of the psalm’s message.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed to describe God’s attributes, such as His mercy and grace, which resonate with readers.
- Repetition: The repetition of themes such as praise and God’s greatness reinforces the central message of worship.
- Parallelism: The use of parallel structures in verses creates rhythm and emphasizes key ideas.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1-2: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.”
This establishes the psalmist’s intent to praise God continuously, highlighting the eternal nature of worship.
- Verse 3: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
This verse emphasizes the incomprehensibility of God’s greatness, encouraging humility in worship.
- Verse 8-9: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
These verses encapsulate God’s character, showing His loving nature and care for all creation.
- Verse 13: “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.”
This affirms God’s eternal sovereignty, providing comfort and assurance to believers.
- Verse 18: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
This verse highlights the accessibility of God, inviting believers to approach Him with sincerity.
Application for Believers
Psalm 145 serves as a reminder for believers to engage in daily worship and to recognize the attributes of God in their lives. It encourages a deeper understanding of God’s character, fostering a sense of gratitude and reverence. The psalm also invites believers to reflect on their relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of calling on Him with sincerity and truth.
Conclusion
Psalm 145 stands as a powerful declaration of God’s greatness and goodness. Its structured acrostic form, rich imagery, and profound themes invite believers to engage in worship while reflecting on the nature of God. This chapter not only serves as a source of inspiration but also as a guide for living a life that honors and praises the Creator.