Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 145

Verses 1-21

PSALM 145

Ps 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 Ps 30:1).

bless thy name—celebrate Thy perfections (Ps 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.

Verses 2-3

3. (Compare Ps 18:3; 48:1).

greatness—as displayed in His works.

Verses 4

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

Verses 5

5. I will speak—or, "muse" (Ps 77:12; 119:15).

thy wondrous works—or, "words of thy wonders," that is, which described them (Ps 105:27, Margin).

Verses 6

6. terrible acts—which produce dread or fear.

Verses 7

7. memory—(Ps 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered.

righteousness—as in Ps 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.

Verses 8

8, 9. (Compare Ps 103:8; 111:4).

over all, &c.—rests on all His works.

Verses 9-10

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

Verses 11

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

Verses 12-13

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

Verses 14

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

Verses 15

15, 16. eyes of … thee—or, look with expecting faith (Ps 104:27, 28).

Verses 16-17

17. holy … works—literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" (Ps 144:2) is the corresponding noun.

righteous—in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" (Ps 145:7).

Verses 18

18, 19. (Compare Ps 34:7, 10).

Verses 19-20

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

Verses 21

21. (Compare Ps 33:21).

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

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.