Psalm 145: A Song of Praise

Psalm 145 is an acrostic psalm, with each verse starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The letters are in order, with the exception of nun, which is omitted.

This is the first of six “triumphant” psalms that complete the book of Psalms. All six were written by David to be sung during religious services.

He asks how a person can possibly measure God.

Humans cannot comprehend the depths of His mercy, glory, power, and righteousness (v. 3). How does one measure eternity? History is replete with stories of His marvelous works, which are handed down from one generation to the next (v. 4).

How can one define the attributes of God (v. 5)? God’s power is immeasurable (v. 6). Every Christian should sing God’s praises (vv. 2, 7).

God is compassionate and patient (Numbers 14:18; Exodus 34:6; Nehemiah 9:16, 17; Ezekiel 33:11; Hosea 11:8). He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God is impartial, causing rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike (Psalm 145:9; see also Matthew 5:45).

All nature sings His praise, and the saints speak of His power (Psalm 145:2, 6–12).

“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).” God stands eternally ready to sustain humankind, and He provides for all creatures (Psalm 145:13–16).

God hears the cries of the holy (v. 19).

“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. “. . . 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 [v. 19].” God preserves and ultimately will save His children. The wicked will be destroyed (v. 20). Jesus is patiently calling His lost sheep home. All humanity should praise His holy name (v. 21). “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, / Calling for you and for me; / At the heart’s portal He’s waiting and watching, / Watching for you and for me.”