Psalms 145:1-21 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

This is a great psalm of praise standing alone, and serving as an introduction to the last five, which constitute the final anthem of thanksgiving, the expression of perfected praise. It is a solo, but the singer is singing not for himself alone, but for others. The peoples are in mind.

It has three movements; an introduction (vv. Psa 145:1-4); a statement of theme (vv. Psa 145:5-9); and the full exercise of thanksgiving (vv. Psa 145:10-21). The introduction speaks of determination to praise (v. Psa 145:1), of continuity in praise (v. Psa 145:2), of reason for praise (v. Psa 145:3), and of fellowship in praise (v. Psa 145:4). The theme is a threefold one; first, the majesty of the Divine honour and works (v. Psa 145:5). Second, the might of the acts of God (vv. Psa 145:6-7). Third and supremely, the mercy of God (vv. Psa 145:8-9). Then follows the exercise. First, the chorus of the works of Jehovah, and of His saints. This chorus celebrates His glory, His power, His mighty acts, and the majesty of His kingdom.

The rest of the psalm is a song carrying out the thoughts suggested in the statement of theme. The majesty of Jehovah is celebrated (v. Psa 145:13). His might as operating in the uplifting of the fallen is declared (v. Psa 145:14). Finally, the activity of His mercy is delighted in (vv. Psa 145:15-20). Everything concludes with the affirmation of personal determination to praise, and the expression of desire that all flesh should join in the anthem.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 145:1

Psalms 145:1-21

1 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.a

6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declareb 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 greatc 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 dominiond 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 waite 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 holyf 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.