A VOW TO PRAISE.
Psalm 145:1-8.
The Psalmist David, speaking on our behalf, makes a vow to bless the name of the LORD “forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1); “Every day” to bless Him; to praise His name “for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:2). This is the only Psalm in the book with the words “of praise” in its title.
A lone voice opens the Psalm: “I” will extol thee; “I” will bless (Psalm 145:1); “I” will bless; “I” will praise (Psalm 145:2). “I” will speak and declare (Psalm 145:5-6). The singer refers to the LORD as “my God, O king” (Psalm 145:1), and speaks “of the glorious honour of thy majesty” (Psalm 145:5). This is addressed to no earthly king, but to One whose kingdom ‘is an everlasting kingdom’ (cf. Psalm 145:13).
It is wonderful when, in our alone times with God, we become thus enamoured with His praises: but what we discover about God, what we discover God to be, is not only for our alone times, but is also to be shared with others. This is the role of testimony. “Generations” shall praise and declare, one to another (Psalm 145:4). We must not only pray for our children, and children’s children, etc.; but must teach them the things of God, and pass on the mantle of praise down through the generations.
The word ‘men’ is not in the Hebrew of Psalm 145:6a, but by the next verse there is a reference to a plurality of persons - “they” - who shall utter and sing (Psalm 145:7). Let us, the congregation of the Lord’s people, join in the praises of our great God!
The reasons for praise are based in the Person, the virtues, and the works of the LORD. He is my God and King (Psalm 145:1; cf. Revelation 19:16). When we “bless” the LORD (Psalm 145:2) we add nothing to Him, but He shelters us with His Presence (cf. Psalm 145:18; Revelation 7:15).
The “great” LORD, whose “greatness is unsearchable” is still “greatly to be praised” (Psalm 145:3; cf. Job 5:9; Romans 11:33). We must adopt the attitude: I will praise Him, no matter what (cf. Philippians 4:4)!
His “works” of Creation and Providence are matched by His “mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4; cf. Exodus 12:26-27 and the miracles of Jesus). The “glorious honour” of His majesty is shown forth in His “wondrous works” (Psalm 145:5; cf. the Incarnation, the Cross, the Resurrection of Jesus, His Ascension, His intercession at the right hand of God, His Coming in Glory; also, the shedding abroad of the Holy Spirit).
“The LORD is gracious, full of compassion, slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8). This is similar to the self-revelation of the LORD to Moses (cf. Exodus 34:6). It is an integral part of Israel’s understanding of their God (cf. Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Jonah 4:2).
The last Hebrew word in today’s reading is ‘hesed’ (Psalm 145:8), which speaks of covenant love, God not dealing with us as we deserve, but dealing with us as we are in Christ Jesus. The long-suffering of God is the last thread of hope for a perishing generation (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
