Psalm 145 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

145:1-2

Psalm 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.

(Compare Psalm 30:1).

bless thy name — celebrate Thy perfections (Psalm 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.

145:3

(Compare Psalm 18:3; Psalm 48:1).

greatness — as displayed in His works.

145:4

shall declare — literally, “they shall declare,” that is, all generations.

145:5

I will speak — or, “muse” (Psalm 77:12; Psalm 119:15).

thy wondrous works — or, “words of thy wonders,” that is, which described them (Psalm 105:27, Margin).

145:6

terrible acts — which produce dread or fear.

145:7

memory — (Psalm 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered.

righteousness — as in Psalm 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.

145:8-9

(Compare Psalm 103:8; Psalm 111:4).

over all, etc. — rests on all His works.

145:10

bless — as in Psalm 145:1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise.

145:11-12

The declaration of God‘s glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.

145:13

(Compare Daniel 4:3, Daniel 4:34).

145:14

(Compare Psalm 37:17; Psalm 54:4).

145:15-16 thee — or, look with expecting faith (Psalm 104:27, Psalm 104:28).145:17 works — literally, “merciful” or “kind, goodness” (Psalm 144:2) is the corresponding noun.

righteous — in a similar relation of meaning to “righteousness” (Psalm 145:7).

145:18-19

(Compare Psalm 34:7, Psalm 34:10).

145:20

Those who fear Him (Psalm 145:19) are those who are here said to love Him.

145:21

(Compare Psalm 33:21).

all flesh — (Psalm 65:2). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.