Psalm 145

Introduction.—Ps. 145 is the first of the triumphant hymns. The psalms of this group are 145–150. They were evidently composed for liturgical use. The 145th is the only psalm that has in its title the Heb. Tehillah, “a praise,” or, “a song of praise.” The psalm is an acrostic (see p. 625). In Hebrew the initial letters of the verses follow the Hebrew alphabet in order, with one exception: the letter nun does not appear, accounting for 21 verses instead of 22 if all the letters were represented, as in Ps. 34. The psalm is not marked by any clear-cut divisions; it is one and indivisible.

On the authorship of the psalm see MB 70. On the superscription see pp. 616, 628.

1. O king. David, the earthly king of Israel, adores God, who is his King. Happy is that land where the royal leader is loyal to the heavenly Monarch.

2. Every day. David’s praise was not intermittent—not one day in seven, but every day; not for a brief span, but for all time. Our love to God and our praise to Him should be a daily matter. Every day God sends unnumbered blessings to His children, and there is every reason why we should praise Him daily.

Bless thee. See on Ps. 63:4.

3. Unsearchable. Not all the great intellects of all the centuries are sufficient to penetrate the depths of God’s unfathomable riches of grace, glory, and power. God’s glory and majesty are ineffable, His goodness and mercy universal and abundant.

4. One generation. Men shall hand down from father to son the account of God’s mighty acts of deliverance. The Israelites took great pleasure in recounting the wonderful deliverances wrought by God on behalf of their forefathers in Egypt and at the Red Sea. One generation after another passes away, but praise and adoration to God continue.

5. Majesty. It is fitting that David, the king, should speak of the majesty of the King of kings. He has difficulty in finding language to express adequately the attributes of God.

7. Shall sing. God’s righteousness should be the theme of the Christian’s song. Singing is a fitting way to render praise to God. Our hearts and voices should be often uplifted to the heavenly King in holy hymns. Music’s highest and sweetest strains assist us to exalt our Creator.

8. Gracious. Compare Ex. 34:6. As God revealed Himself to Moses and to David, so He reveals Himself to us today, as a God who is full of tender mercy and graciousness. He regards all with the tenderest sympathy, especially those passing through the valley of affliction.

Slow to anger. God has long patience with perverse sinners. His great desire is that they should repent and turn to Him (see Eze. 33:11). He suffers long and continues to plead with men to repent of their sinful ways. It pains His heart to give up any child of Adam. Through the prophet Hosea He asks the pathetic question: “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” (Hosea 11:8).

9. Good to all. This verse brings to view the universality of God’s goodness. God is impartial in His dealings with men. His sun shines and His rain falls on the evil and the good alike (Matt. 5:45).

10. Bless thee. See on Ps. 63:4.

12. Make known. The glorious deeds of God are to be declared to all the world, and this responsibility rests upon the saints. Those only are qualified to do this work who have experienced something of the power of God in their lives. The saints should be eager that others should understand and appreciate the mighty power of their Redeemer.

13. Everlasting kingdom. The Lord never abdicates His throne. Earthly kings and rulers may change, but the Ruler of the universe changeth not. The perpetuity of the kingdom of God stands out in contrast to the transitory nature of the kingdoms of this world (Dan. 2:44).

14. All that fall. Or, “all who are falling.” The Lord is ready to sustain all those who are sinking beneath life’s burdens or who are falling before temptation (see Matt. 11:28). He will uphold them if they call upon Him.

15. Season. God is pictured as the great Provider, distributing food to all whenever they need it. The Lord is the Good Shepherd, feeding His flock and leading them where the pasture is green and the waters are still (Ps. 23:2). Every creature in the universe is dependent upon Him. His resources are unlimited. He has ample provision for all.

16. Thine hand. The Lord provides with open hand not only man’s physical necessities but liberal stores of grace for all who seek them. He is always on the giving side; His hand of grace is always open. He is able and willing to do exceeding abundantly above all that His children ask or think (Eph. 3:20).

17. Holy. Heb. chasid (see Additional Note on Ps. 36).

19. Fulfil the desire. Holy hearts will desire only what is holy, so God has no problem in fulfilling such desires. He does not promise to grant the desire of the sinner. It would not be wise or kind to do so.

Hear their cry. As the tender mother’s love is drawn out toward the cry of her child, so the Lord’s ear is ever attuned to hear the cries of His children.

Ellen G. White comments

3–21MH 435; 8T 283

5, 6 MB 70

9 PP 443

10 GC 671

14 FE 305

14–16MH 418; 8T 275

15, 16 SC 9

16 CG 59; Ed 118

17 PP 39

18 PP 125

20 GC 541