Psalms 145:1

KJV

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

David's {H1732} Psalm of praise {H8416}. I will extol {H7311} thee, my God {H430}, O king {H4428}; and I will bless {H1288} thy name {H8034} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise. By David: I will praise you to the heights, my God, the king; I will bless your name forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever.

American Standard Version

I will extol thee, my God, O King; And I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:1 serves as the foundational declaration for an entire psalm of praise, attributed to King David. It expresses a profound, personal, and unwavering commitment to exalt God, acknowledging Him as both "my God" and "O king." This verse sets the tone for a comprehensive and eternal worship, promising to bless God's very essence and character, represented by His name, for all time. It is a resolute vow of adoration, establishing the intimate yet majestic relationship between the worshipper and the sovereign Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 stands as a magnificent capstone to David's contributions to the Psalter, being his last psalm recorded within the collection. It is uniquely titled "David's Psalm of praise," immediately signaling its authorship and purpose. Crucially, it is an acrostic psalm in the original Hebrew, meaning each verse (or sometimes a pair of verses) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This intricate structural feature, though one letter (Nun) is missing in the Masoretic Text but present in some ancient versions, signifies a deliberate, comprehensive, and ordered declaration of God's attributes and faithfulness. Verse 1 functions as a powerful, personal prologue, establishing the psalmist's resolute intention to engage in perpetual praise, thereby setting the overarching theme for the subsequent verses, which systematically enumerate God's greatness, works, and character. This personal vow of praise immediately draws the reader into the psalmist's mindset, inviting them to join in this grand celebration of divine majesty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, a figure central to Israelite history, this psalm reflects the unique relationship between a divinely appointed monarch and his God. David, known as "a man after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")), understood the concept of divine kingship intimately, both as a subject and as God's earthly representative. The address "O king" would have resonated deeply within a monarchical society, emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers, including David himself. The act of "extolling" and "blessing" God's name was a common and central practice in Israelite worship, often involving public declarations of God's deeds and character, sometimes accompanied by prostration or kneeling. The concept of God's "name" (`shêm`) was not merely a label but encompassed His entire revealed character, reputation, and authority, making the blessing of His name a profound act of reverence and affirmation of His identity and power. This psalm, therefore, emerges from a cultural milieu where worship was integral to national and personal identity, and where the King of Israel served as a preeminent worshipper and intercessor.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145:1 introduces several profound themes that permeate the entire psalm and indeed, the broader book of Psalms. The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Kingship**, as God is explicitly addressed as "O king," underscoring His ultimate authority over all creation and humanity. This theme is further developed throughout the psalm, highlighting God's eternal dominion and righteous rule (e.g., [Psalms 145:11-13](/psalms/145-11 "Psalms 145:11-13 - God's Glorious Kingdom")). Closely related is the theme of **Unending and Personal Praise**, expressed through David's resolute "I will extol thee" and "I will bless thy name for ever and ever." This highlights the volitional nature of worship and its perpetual quality, a commitment echoed in other psalms of praise, such as [Psalms 103:1-2](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1-2 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **God's Character and Reputation**, as the "name" of God encapsulates His attributes, deeds, and covenant faithfulness. Blessing His name is an acknowledgment and proclamation of who He is, a theme that expands into the psalm's detailed descriptions of God's goodness, mercy, and power (e.g., [Psalms 145:8-9](/psalms/145-8 "Psalms 145:8-9 - The Lord is Gracious and Merciful")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **extol (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be high," "to rise or raise," or "to lift up." In the context of praising God, it signifies an active and intentional act of elevating God to the highest honor, acknowledging His supreme position above all else. It's a declaration that God is worthy of the utmost reverence and adoration, a lifting up of His name and character in public and private worship.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." When applied to God, it denotes an act of reverence, adoration, and speaking well of Him. To "bless God's name" means to declare His inherent goodness, His attributes, and His mighty deeds, thereby acknowledging His worthiness of honor and praise. It often implies a posture of humility and submission.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** A primitive word referring to an appellation, mark, or memorial of individuality. By implication, it encompasses honor, authority, and character. In biblical thought, God's "name" represents His entire revealed being, His reputation, His power, and His very essence. To "bless thy name" is to praise and honor everything that God is, His character, His attributes, and His actions. It is a comprehensive act of worship directed at the totality of God's self-revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ David's [Psalm] of praise."**: This superscription immediately identifies the author as King David and the purpose of the composition as a "psalm of praise" (`tᵉhillâh`). This sets the expectation for the content to follow, indicating a hymn of laudation and adoration directed towards God. The title also connects this psalm to a rich tradition of Davidic worship.
* **"I will extol thee, my God, O king;"**: This is a powerful, personal declaration. "I will extol thee" signifies a volitional and active commitment to elevate God to the highest honor. The dual address "my God, O king" is profoundly significant. "My God" (ʼĕlôhîym) speaks to an intimate, covenantal relationship, emphasizing personal devotion and ownership of faith. "O king" (melek) simultaneously acknowledges God's supreme, universal sovereignty and authority, recognizing Him as the ultimate ruler over all creation and over David's own life and kingdom. It combines intimacy with majesty.
* **"and I will bless thy name for ever and ever."**: This clause reiterates the psalmist's commitment to worship and expands on its nature and duration. "I will bless thy name" means to speak well of, praise, and adore God's entire being, His character, and His reputation. The phrase "for ever and ever" (`ʻôwlâm` and `ʻad`) emphasizes the eternal, unending, and perpetual nature of this commitment to praise. It signifies that God's worthiness of praise is timeless and transcends all circumstances, extending into eternity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 145:1 employs several key literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is the **Acrostic** structure of the entire psalm, which, while not fully evident in verse 1 alone, sets the stage for a comprehensive and ordered praise of God, suggesting a deliberate and complete enumeration of His attributes. The phrase "I will extol thee... and I will bless thy name" functions as a powerful **Personal Vow** or **Declaration**, highlighting the psalmist's intentional and volitional commitment to worship. This is not a passive statement but an active resolve. The use of "my God" alongside "O king" demonstrates a profound **Appellation** or form of address that combines **Intimacy** (personal relationship) with **Majesty** (universal sovereignty), creating a rich theological tension and harmony. Finally, the phrase "for ever and ever" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the boundless and unending nature of David's commitment to praise, signifying an eternal duration that transcends human limitations. The "name" of God also functions as a **Metonymy**, standing in for God's entire character, reputation, and essence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:1 establishes a profound theological foundation for worship, emphasizing both the personal and universal dimensions of God's reign. David's resolute "I will" underscores the volitional nature of true worship, a deliberate choice to honor God above all else. The dual address "my God, O king" encapsulates the paradox of a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people yet remains the sovereign ruler of the cosmos. This verse sets the stage for the entire psalm's exploration of God's attributes—His greatness, power, goodness, mercy, and faithfulness—all of which are reasons for His eternal praise. It calls believers to a life of perpetual adoration, recognizing that God's worthiness of praise is boundless and everlasting.

* [Psalm 103:1-2](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1-2 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul")
* [Isaiah 25:1](/isaiah/25-1 "Isaiah 25:1 - Lord, You Are My God")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:1 offers a timeless blueprint for personal devotion and collective worship. David's "I will" serves as a powerful reminder that praise is not merely an emotion but a deliberate act of the will, a conscious choice to acknowledge God's supremacy and goodness regardless of circumstances. This verse encourages us to cultivate an intentional posture of worship in our daily lives, recognizing God as both our intimate Father and our sovereign King. By committing to "extol" and "bless His name for ever and ever," we are called to live a life that consistently proclaims God's character, His mighty deeds, and His unwavering faithfulness. This means not only speaking highly of Him but also aligning our lives with His will, submitting to His kingship, and finding joy in His presence. It challenges us to make praise a perpetual rhythm of our existence, reflecting the eternal worthiness of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "extol" God in my daily life? How can I actively lift up His name?**
* **How does acknowledging God as both "my God" and "O king" shape my understanding of my relationship with Him?**
* **What specific attributes of God come to mind when I consider "blessing His name"?**
* **In what practical ways can I commit to praising God "for ever and ever," even amidst challenges or distractions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "my God, O king" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "my God, O king" is highly significant because it encapsulates both the intimate and the majestic aspects of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. "My God" (`ʼĕlôhîym`) speaks to a personal, covenantal relationship, emphasizing David's deep, individual devotion and the exclusivity of his faith in the one true God. It highlights the relational intimacy that God desires with His people. Simultaneously, "O king" (`melek`) acknowledges God's supreme, universal sovereignty and authority. It recognizes Him as the ultimate ruler over all creation, over nations, and over David's own kingdom and life. This dual address beautifully portrays God as both personally accessible and cosmically powerful, inviting worship that is both heartfelt and reverent. It echoes themes found throughout scripture where God is portrayed as both a loving Father and an omnipotent ruler, such as in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision of the Lord") where Isaiah sees the Lord "seated on a throne, high and exalted," yet later experiences His personal cleansing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:1, with its declaration of eternal praise for God as "my God, O king," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's personal vow to "extol" and "bless" God's name forever foreshadows the new covenant reality where believers, through Christ, can truly know God as "my God" in an intimate and redemptive way. Jesus is the very embodiment of the "King" David praises, not merely an earthly monarch but the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is eternal and whose dominion is over all creation ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "name" of God, which David pledges to bless, is supremely revealed in the name of Jesus, for "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). Furthermore, the "for ever and ever" commitment to praise points directly to the eternal worship that will be rendered to Christ in the new heavens and new earth, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus, as the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), is the one through whom all praise and honor are rightly directed to the Father, fulfilling David's ancient vow in a glorious, eschatological reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.