Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 145
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, etc.—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 Dan 4:3, 334).
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.