Psalms 145:1,2 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

I be g the Reader to observe the different method with which the title of this Psalm is marked from every other. We have several marked as the michtams of David, and several marked maschil; some Prayers of David, and some Songs of David; but this is the only one in the book of Psalms which bears the title, David's Psalm of praise. And as the five following (with which the book of Psalms concludes) have no title, I am rather inclined to think that this was meant to answer for all. This Psalm is the more remarkable, as it is composed in alphabetical order; the first verse beginning with the letter Aleph; the second with Beth; and so on to the end. It is said that the Jews had a tradition, that whosoever among them sung this hymn three times in a day, would infallibly go to heaven. Certain it is, that it is a most blessed hymn of praise; and by it the Holy Ghost put into the mouth of his people, most precious words, wherewith to come before the Lord. I venture to think that it will aid the minds of true believers in Jesus, if, while reading it, that blessed Spirit should lead our souls to see Christ in the hymn; as if, when the Lord Jesus had finished redemption-work, which the Father gave him to do, and contemplating the whole now in the end of his labours, he begins this lovely song, and calls upon his church to follow him in the daily use of it, that their minds may be more and more engaged towards the close of this life in praises, until they arrive at the enjoyment of the everlasting praises of heaven. In this sense, I hope, I do no violence to the title of David's Psalm of praise. The Son of David opens the hymn with looking up to Jehovah, whom he calls his God and King, and declares his resolution to bless his name forever and ever. It is Jehovah's name; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that is blessed in all redemption-work. See Psalms 89:26; Isaiah 49:5-6.