Bible Study:What does Psalm chapter 145 mean?
Chapter Context
This psalm is an acrostic: each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Only the letter nun is skipped. This song strongly magnifies the concept of praising God. Themes mentioned here are found in the other psalms, but they are concentrated in this specific song. Paul used a concept from this psalm when he preached at the Areopagus (Acts 17:27).
What does Psalm chapter 145 mean?
Like Psalm 119, this is an acrostic: structured around the Hebrew alphabet. In Psalm 145, each line begins with a successive letter,
aleph through
taw. Unlike Psalm 119, this song skips the letter
nun. Later manuscripts include words sometimes bracketed at the end of verse 13. However, these seem to have been added later to complete the pattern.
David promises to praise the Lord forever; God's glory is indescribable. Each generation will tell the next about all the Lord has done for Israel (Psalm 78:1–4). This includes reminding others of God's mercy and loyal love (Psalm 145:1–9).
These mighty works will inspire others to praise God. Seeing the miracles which the Lord has performed will lead mankind to appreciate His power. This brings glory to God and suggests the majestic nature of His kingdom. Mankind can also observe the way God cares for the poor and disadvantaged. Rather than turning such people away, He provides salvation for everyone who seeks Him in reverent faith (Psalm 145:10–20).
David closes the psalm with a summary of the entire passage: his intent to forever worship the Lord, and to encourage every living thing to do the same (Psalm 145:21).
