ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Psalms 145

Psalm Ps. 145. This is the last of David’s psalms. This hymn praises the Lord for his goodness and generosity toward his creatures, especially his people. One remarkable feature is the way it uses so many different words for “praising”: “extol”; “bless”; “praise”; “commend”; “declare”; “meditate”; “speak”; “pour forth”; “sing aloud”; and “give thanks.” Further, there are repeated terms for the enduring nature of this praise: “forever and ever”; the “generations”; and “everlasting.” This psalm basically follows an acrostic pattern, but it lacks one verse (between vv. 13–14). The esv includes the “missing” verse (v. 13b), but in square brackets due to its uncertainty.

Ps. 145:1–3 The psalm has a theme of joy and celebration. Each member of the congregation pledges himself to this (I will).

Ps. 145:3 his greatness is unsearchable. That is, the human mind cannot fully describe or comprehend it.

Ps. 145:4–7 God’s great deeds have protected his people and have produced the conditions in which they can flourish in true faithfulness.

Ps. 145:4 This is the biblical pattern for households, and the Passover makes this a ritual.

Ps. 145:8–9 These two verses fill out the idea of God’s goodness and righteousness.

Ps. 145:8 See Ex. 34:6. slow to anger. Showing wrath is not God’s preferred option. He gives humans time to repent.

Ps. 145:9 God’s grace came to Israel in a special way through the covenant, but it was never meant to be for them alone.

Ps. 145:10–13a The psalmist celebrates the wonder of being part of God’s kingdom. God’s people are to see his kingship as a gift of his goodness, not a burden.

Ps. 145:13b–20 Building on vv. 8–9, these verses develop the notion of God’s kindness to all his creatures (vv. 15–17). His chosen people (vv. 18–20), specifically those who call on him in truth, are treated particularly well.

Ps. 145:13b faithful. See Deut. 7:9; Ps. 93:5; Isa. 49:7. The second line is the same as the second line of Ps. 145:17. Kind means that the Lord shows covenant love. This supplies the “missing” acrostic segment (see note on Psalm 145).

Ps. 145:14 In view of vv. 18–20, all who are falling (and who are bowed down) would apply to the faithful (see 37:24).

Ps. 145:20 The English brings out the mirror pattern of the Hebrew: verb (preserves), then object (all who love him); object (all the wicked), then verb (he will destroy). The verbs and objects are the opposites of each other.

Ps. 145:21 The psalm looks forward to praising God forever for his goodness. It closes with a wish that every creature might join in the praise.