Psalms 145
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Psalms 145
I Will Extol Thee, My God, O King
1I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 145
Psa 145:1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for His mighty, righteous, and gracious government of all men, and of His humble and suffering people in particular.
1-2. (Compare Psa 30:1).
bless thy name--celebrate Thy perfections (Psa 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.
PSALM 145
Psa 145:1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for His mighty, righteous, and gracious government of all men, and of His humble and suffering people in particular.
1-2. (Compare Psa 30:1).
bless thy name--celebrate Thy perfections (Psa 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will extol thee, my God, O King; rather, O my God, the King; i.e. the one and only King of heaven and earth. And I will bless thy Name forever and ever. An internal conviction of the writer's immortality is implied in these words.
I will extol thee, my God, O King; rather, O my God, the King; i.e. the one and only King of heaven and earth. And I will bless thy Name forever and ever. An internal conviction of the writer's immortality is implied in these words.
2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
The Pulpit Commentary
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy Name for ever and ever. An emphatic repetition of the second clause of Psa_145:1.
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy Name for ever and ever. An emphatic repetition of the second clause of Psa_145:1.
3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. (Compare Psa 18:3; 48:1).
greatness--as displayed in His works.
3. (Compare Psa 18:3; 48:1).
greatness--as displayed in His works.
The Pulpit Commentary
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised (comp. Psa_48:1; Psa_96:4). And his greatness is unsearchable; literally, and of his greatness there is no search (comp. Rom_11:33).
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised (comp. Psa_48:1; Psa_96:4). And his greatness is unsearchable; literally, and of his greatness there is no search (comp. Rom_11:33).
4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. shall declare--literally, "they shall declare," that is, all generations.
4. shall declare--literally, "they shall declare," that is, all generations.
The Pulpit Commentary
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. The handing down of God's mercies and deliverances from age to age is always regarded in Scripture as the principal mode whereby they are kept in remembrance (Exo_12:26, Exo_12:27; Exo_13:8-10, Exo_13:14; Deu_32:7; Psa_44:1; Psa_78:3-7, etc.).
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. The handing down of God's mercies and deliverances from age to age is always regarded in Scripture as the principal mode whereby they are kept in remembrance (Exo_12:26, Exo_12:27; Exo_13:8-10, Exo_13:14; Deu_32:7; Psa_44:1; Psa_78:3-7, etc.).
5I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. I will speak--or, "muse" (Psa 77:12; 119:15).
thy wondrous works--or, "words of thy wonders," that is, which described them (Psa 105:27, Margin).
5. I will speak--or, "muse" (Psa 77:12; 119:15).
thy wondrous works--or, "words of thy wonders," that is, which described them (Psa 105:27, Margin).
The Pulpit Commentary
I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works (comp. Psa_26:7; Psa_71:17). It was the duty of every faithful Israelite to set forth God's majesty, and to "declare his works with rejoicing" (Psa_117:2). David proclaims himself ready to perform this duty. Then, he thinks, others will join in.
I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works (comp. Psa_26:7; Psa_71:17). It was the duty of every faithful Israelite to set forth God's majesty, and to "declare his works with rejoicing" (Psa_117:2). David proclaims himself ready to perform this duty. Then, he thinks, others will join in.
6And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. terrible acts--which produce dread or fear.
6. terrible acts--which produce dread or fear.
The Pulpit Commentary
And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts. Men will "speak of the might of God's terrible acts," which are those that attract them most—the plagues wrought in Egypt, the overthrow of Pharaoh's host in the Red Sea, the earth swallowing up Dathan, and the like. And I will declare thy greatness (see above, Psa_145:3).
And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts. Men will "speak of the might of God's terrible acts," which are those that attract them most—the plagues wrought in Egypt, the overthrow of Pharaoh's host in the Red Sea, the earth swallowing up Dathan, and the like. And I will declare thy greatness (see above, Psa_145:3).
7They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. memory--(Psa 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered.
righteousness--as in Psa 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.
7. memory--(Psa 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered.
righteousness--as in Psa 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.
The Pulpit Commentary
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness; literally, they shall pour forth—as a strong spring—the memory of thy great goodness; i.e. the tale of all the mercies that thou hast vouchsafed them. And shall sing of thy righteousness; i.e. shall sing hymns of praise for thy righteous dealings with them.
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness; literally, they shall pour forth—as a strong spring—the memory of thy great goodness; i.e. the tale of all the mercies that thou hast vouchsafed them. And shall sing of thy righteousness; i.e. shall sing hymns of praise for thy righteous dealings with them.
8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8-9. (Compare Psa 103:8; 111:4).
over all, &c.--rests on all His works.
8-9. (Compare Psa 103:8; 111:4).
over all, &c.--rests on all His works.
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Professor Cheyne compares the epithets in a Babylonian hymn to the sun-god; but a closer parallel is to be found in Exo_34:6, Exo_34:7, "The Lord God is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin" (see also Psa_86:15).
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Professor Cheyne compares the epithets in a Babylonian hymn to the sun-god; but a closer parallel is to be found in Exo_34:6, Exo_34:7, "The Lord God is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin" (see also Psa_86:15).
9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works. "The Lord is good to all;" he "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and send-eth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mat_5:45). He "wouldeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live," And his "tender mercies," or "compassions," are not only over his human creatures, but" over all his works"—all that he has made—animals as well as men, "creeping things," zoophytes, all that can feel.
The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works. "The Lord is good to all;" he "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and send-eth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mat_5:45). He "wouldeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live," And his "tender mercies," or "compassions," are not only over his human creatures, but" over all his works"—all that he has made—animals as well as men, "creeping things," zoophytes, all that can feel.
10All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. bless--as in Psa 145:1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise.
10. bless--as in Psa 145:1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise.
The Pulpit Commentary
All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord (comp. Psa_148:2-13, where all creation is called on to praise the Lord). And thy saints shall bless thee; or, "thy loving ones"—those who are devoted to thy service.
All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord (comp. Psa_148:2-13, where all creation is called on to praise the Lord). And thy saints shall bless thee; or, "thy loving ones"—those who are devoted to thy service.
11They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11-12. The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.
11-12. The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.
The Pulpit Commentary
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom (comp. Psa_22:28; Psa_45:6). The "glory" of God's kingdom is such that the faithful are naturally drawn to "speak" of it. "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endureth throughout all ages" (Psa_145:13). "His kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa_103:19)—heaven and earth, and hell, and all space, and whatever space contains. There is no limit either to its extent or its duration. And its "glory" transcends all. human thought—much more all description. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," etc. And talk of thy power. "Power" is of the essence of kingship, and comes naturally to the front whenever the character of a kingdom is spoken of.
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom (comp. Psa_22:28; Psa_45:6). The "glory" of God's kingdom is such that the faithful are naturally drawn to "speak" of it. "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endureth throughout all ages" (Psa_145:13). "His kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa_103:19)—heaven and earth, and hell, and all space, and whatever space contains. There is no limit either to its extent or its duration. And its "glory" transcends all. human thought—much more all description. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," etc. And talk of thy power. "Power" is of the essence of kingship, and comes naturally to the front whenever the character of a kingdom is spoken of.
12To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
The Pulpit Commentary
To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts. It is a part of the duty of "saints" (Psa_145:10) to make known as widely as possible—if possible, to all men—the "mighty acts" and glory of God; primarily, for God's glory; and secondarily, to bring about their conversion to God's service. And the glorious majesty of his kingdom (comp. Psa_145:5, Psa_145:11).
To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts. It is a part of the duty of "saints" (Psa_145:10) to make known as widely as possible—if possible, to all men—the "mighty acts" and glory of God; primarily, for God's glory; and secondarily, to bring about their conversion to God's service. And the glorious majesty of his kingdom (comp. Psa_145:5, Psa_145:11).
13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. (Compare Da 4:3, 34).
13. (Compare Da 4:3, 34).
The Pulpit Commentary
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (comp. Dan_4:3, Dan_4:34). It is inconceivable that God's kingdom should come to an end. He cannot will it to cease, and so dethrone himself. Much less can any other, and necessarily inferior, power overthrow it. And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. This is rather an anti-climax, since the generations of men will one day cease; but it was a customary phrase (Psa_33:11; Psa_45:17; Psa_49:11; Psa_61:6; Psa_62:5, etc.), and brought home to men the thought that his special "dominion" was over them.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (comp. Dan_4:3, Dan_4:34). It is inconceivable that God's kingdom should come to an end. He cannot will it to cease, and so dethrone himself. Much less can any other, and necessarily inferior, power overthrow it. And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. This is rather an anti-climax, since the generations of men will one day cease; but it was a customary phrase (Psa_33:11; Psa_45:17; Psa_49:11; Psa_61:6; Psa_62:5, etc.), and brought home to men the thought that his special "dominion" was over them.
14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. (Compare Psa 37:17; 54:4).
14. (Compare Psa 37:17; 54:4).
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord upholdeth all that fall. Lifts them up, i.e; and again "upholds" or supports them (comp. Psa_37:24). And raiseth up all those that be bowed down (comp. Psa_146:8).
The Lord upholdeth all that fall. Lifts them up, i.e; and again "upholds" or supports them (comp. Psa_37:24). And raiseth up all those that be bowed down (comp. Psa_146:8).
15The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15-16. eyes of ... thee--or, look with expecting faith (Psa 104:27, 28).
15-16. eyes of ... thee--or, look with expecting faith (Psa 104:27, 28).
The Pulpit Commentary
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season (cf. Psa_104:21, Psa_104:27; Psa_136:25; Psa_147:9). The constant supply of all living creatures with their necessary food is little less than a standing miracle.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season (cf. Psa_104:21, Psa_104:27; Psa_136:25; Psa_147:9). The constant supply of all living creatures with their necessary food is little less than a standing miracle.
16Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Not only are they given what is necessary for them, but every desire which they enter-rain is satisfied.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Not only are they given what is necessary for them, but every desire which they enter-rain is satisfied.
17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
17. holy ... works--literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" (Psa 144:2) is the corresponding noun.
righteous--in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" (Psa 145:7).
17. holy ... works--literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" (Psa 144:2) is the corresponding noun.
righteous--in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" (Psa 145:7).
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy (rather, gracious, or merciful) in all his works. Mercy and truth meet in God (Psa_85:10). He is at once perfectly just, and absolutely tender and compassionate. "All his works" experience both his justice and his tenderness (comp. Psa_25:8; Psa_116:5, etc.).
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy (rather, gracious, or merciful) in all his works. Mercy and truth meet in God (Psa_85:10). He is at once perfectly just, and absolutely tender and compassionate. "All his works" experience both his justice and his tenderness (comp. Psa_25:8; Psa_116:5, etc.).
18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
18-19. (Compare Psa 34:7, 10).
18-19. (Compare Psa 34:7, 10).
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him (comp. Deu_4:7; Psa_34:18; Psa_46:1; Psa_119:151, etc.). God draws near to those who draw near to him; i.e. he makes his presence (which is always everywhere) felt by them. To all that call upon him in truth. A limiting clause. Mere formal prayer is useless, does not lessen the distance between God and man, rather augments it. If we really desire to enjoy the consciousness of his presence, we must call upon him "in truth," i.e. sincerely, with earnest desire and strong confidence.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him (comp. Deu_4:7; Psa_34:18; Psa_46:1; Psa_119:151, etc.). God draws near to those who draw near to him; i.e. he makes his presence (which is always everywhere) felt by them. To all that call upon him in truth. A limiting clause. Mere formal prayer is useless, does not lessen the distance between God and man, rather augments it. If we really desire to enjoy the consciousness of his presence, we must call upon him "in truth," i.e. sincerely, with earnest desire and strong confidence.
19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
The Pulpit Commentary
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him (comp. Psa_145:16). What he does for "every living thing," he will do more especially for men, if they truly" fear" him, and love him (Psa_145:20), and draw near to him in sincerity and truth. He also will hear their cry, and will save them; i.e. deliver them out of their troubles.
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him (comp. Psa_145:16). What he does for "every living thing," he will do more especially for men, if they truly" fear" him, and love him (Psa_145:20), and draw near to him in sincerity and truth. He also will hear their cry, and will save them; i.e. deliver them out of their troubles.
20The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
20. Those who fear Him (Psa 145:19) are those who are here said to love Him.
20. Those who fear Him (Psa 145:19) are those who are here said to love Him.
The Pulpit Commentary
The Lord preserveth all them that love him (comp. Psa_31:23; Psa_97:10). But all the wicked will he destroy. The "severity" of God is always set against his "goodness" in Holy Scripture, lest men should misunderstand, and think to obtain salvation though they continue in wickedness (see Exo_34:6, Exo_34:7; Rom_2:2-11; Rom_11:22, etc.).
The Lord preserveth all them that love him (comp. Psa_31:23; Psa_97:10). But all the wicked will he destroy. The "severity" of God is always set against his "goodness" in Holy Scripture, lest men should misunderstand, and think to obtain salvation though they continue in wickedness (see Exo_34:6, Exo_34:7; Rom_2:2-11; Rom_11:22, etc.).
21My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
21. (Compare Psa 33:21).
all flesh--(Psa 65:2). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.
21. (Compare Psa 33:21).
all flesh--(Psa 65:2). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.
The Pulpit Commentary
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord. The "psalm of praise" (title) ends as it began (Psa_145:1, Psa_145:2)—with the strong determination of the psalmist that he at least will praise Jehovah. Others, he hopes, will join with him, and all flesh bless his holy Name (literally, the Name of his holiness) forever and ever; but for this result he can only wish and hope and pray—he cannot ensure it. But he can, and does, fulfill his own duty in the matter.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord. The "psalm of praise" (title) ends as it began (Psa_145:1, Psa_145:2)—with the strong determination of the psalmist that he at least will praise Jehovah. Others, he hopes, will join with him, and all flesh bless his holy Name (literally, the Name of his holiness) forever and ever; but for this result he can only wish and hope and pray—he cannot ensure it. But he can, and does, fulfill his own duty in the matter.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 145
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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