Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 145

PSALM 145

Psa 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.

1-2. (Compare Psa 30:1). bless thy name--celebrate Thy perfections (Psa 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.

3. (Compare Psa 18:3; 48:1). greatness--as displayed in His works.

4. shall declare--literally, "they shall declare," that is, all generations.

5. I will speak--or, "muse" (Psa 77:12; 119:15). thy wondrous works--or, "words of thy wonders," that is, which described them (Psa 105:27, Margin).

6. terrible acts--which produce dread or fear.

7. memory--(Psa 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered. righteousness--as in Psa 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.

8-9. (Compare Psa 103:8; 111:4). over all, &c.--rests on all His works.

10. bless--as in Psa 145:1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise.

11-12. The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.

13. (Compare Da 4:3, 34).

14. (Compare Psa 37:17; 54:4).

15-16. eyes of ... thee--or, look with expecting faith (Psa 104:27, 28).

17. holy ... works--literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" (Psa 144:2) is the corresponding noun. righteous--in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" (Psa 145:7).

18-19. (Compare Psa 34:7, 10).

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

21. (Compare Psa 33:21). all flesh--(Psa 65:2). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.