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Commentary on Psalms 145 verses 10–21
The greatness and goodness of him who is optimus et maximus - the best and greatest of beings, were celebrated in the former part of the psalm; here, in these verses, we are taught to give him the glory of his kingdom, in the administration of which his greatness and goodness shine so clearly, so very brightly. Observe, as before,
I. From whom the tribute of praise is expected (Psa 145:10): All God's works shall praise him. They all minister to us matter for praise, and so praise him according to their capacity; even those that refuse to give him honour he will get himself honour upon. But his saints do bless him, not only as they have peculiar blessings from him, which other creatures have not, but as they praise him actively, while his other works praise him only objectively. They bless him, for they collect the rent or tribute of praise from the inferior creatures, and pay it into the treasury above. All God's works do praise him, as the beautiful building praises the builder or the well-drawn picture praises the painter; but the saints bless him as the children of prudent tender parents rise up and call them blessed. Of all God's works, his saints, the workmanship of his grace, the first-fruits of his creatures, have most reason to bless him.
II. For what this praise is to be given: They shall speak of thy kingdom. The kingdom of God among men is a thing to be often thought of and often spoken of. As, before, he had magnified God's greatness and goodness in general, so here he magnifies them with application to his kingdom. Consider then,
1.The greatness of his kingdom. It is great indeed, for all the kings and kingdoms of the earth are under his control. To show the greatness of God's kingdom, he observes, (1.) The pomp of it. Would we by faith look within the veil, we should see, and, believing, we should speak of the glory of his kingdom (Psa 145:11), the glorious majesty of it (Psa 145:12), for he has prepared his throne in the heavens, and it is high and lifted up, and surrounded with an innumerable company of angels. The courts of Solomon and Ahasuerus were magnificent; but, compared with the glorious majesty of God's kingdom, they were but as glow-worms to the sun. The consideration of this should strike an awe upon us in all our approaches to God. (2.) The power of it: When they speak of the glory of God's kingdom they must talk of his power, the extent of it, the efficacy of it - his power, by which he can do any thing and does every thing he pleases (Psa 145:11); and, as a proof of it, let them make known his mighty acts (Psa 145:12), that the sons of men may be invited to yield themselves his willing subjects and so put themselves under the protection of such a mighty potentate. (3.) The perpetuity of it, Psa 145:13. The thrones of earthly princes totter, and the flowers of their crowns wither, monarchies come to an end; but, Lord, thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. God will govern the world to the end of time, when the Mediator, who is now entrusted with the administration of his kingdom, shall deliver it up to God, even the Father, that he may be all in all to eternity. His dominion endures throughout all generations, for he himself is eternal, and his counsels are unchangeable and uniform; and Satan, who has set up a kingdom in opposition to him, is conquered and in a chain.
2.The goodness of his kingdom. His royal style and title are, The Lord God, gracious and merciful; and his government answers to his title. The goodness of God appears in what he does,
(1.)For all the creatures in general (Psa 145:15, Psa 145:16): He provides food for all flesh, and therein appears his everlasting mercy, Psa 136:25. All the creatures live upon God, and, as they had their being from him at first, so from him they have all the supports of their being and on him they depend for the continuance of it. [1.] The eye of their expectation attends upon him: The eyes of all wait on thee. The inferior creatures indeed have not the knowledge of God, nor are capable of it, and yet they are said to wait upon God, because they seek their food according to the instinct which the God of nature has put into them (and they sow not, neither do they reap, Mat 6:26), and because they take what the God of nature has provided for them, in the time and way that he has appointed, and are content with it. [2.] The hand of his bounty is stretched out to them: Thou givest them their meat in due season, the meat proper for them, and in the proper time, when they need it; so that none of the creatures ordinarily perish for want of food, no, not in the winter. Thou openest thy hand freely and liberally, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing, except some of the unreasonable children of men, that will be satisfied with nothing, but are still complaining, still crying, Give, give.
(2.)For the children of men in particular, whom he governs as reasonable creatures.
[1.]He does none of them any wrong, for (Psa 145:17) the Lord is righteous in all his ways, and not unrighteous in any of them; he is holy, and acts like himself, with a perfect rectitude in all his works. In all the acts of government he is just, injurious to none, but administering justice to all. The ways of the lord are equal, though ours are unequal. In giving laws, in deciding controversies, in recompensing services, and punishing offences, he is incontestably just, and we are bound to own that he is so.
[2.]He does all of them good, his own people in a special manner.
First, He supports those that are sinking, and it is his honour to help the weak, Psa 145:14. He upholds all that fall, in that, though they fall, they are not utterly cast down. Many of the children of men are brought very low by sickness and other distresses, and seem ready to drop into the grave, and yet Providence wonderfully upholds them, raises them up, and says, Return, Psa 110:3. If all had died who once seemed dying, the world would have been very thin. Many of the children of God, who have been ready to fall into sin, to fall into despair, have experienced his goodness in preventing their falls, or recovering them speedily by his graces and comforts, so that, though they fell, they were not utterly cast down, Psa 37:24. If those who were bowed down by oppression and affliction are raised up, it was God that raised them. And, with respect to all those that are heavy-laden under the burden of sin, if they come to Christ by faith, he will ease them, he will raise them.
Secondly, He is very ready to hear and answer the prayers of his people, Psa 145:18, Psa 145:19. In this appears the grace of his kingdom, that his subjects have not only liberty of petitioning, but all the encouragement that can be to petition. 1. The grant is very rich, that God will be nigh to all that call upon him; he will be always within call of their prayers, and they shall always find themselves within reach of his help. If a neighbour that is near is better than a brother afar off (Pro 27:10), much more a God that is near. Nay, he will not only be nigh to them, that they may have the satisfaction of being heard, but he will fulfil their desires; they shall have what they ask and find that they seek. It was said (Psa 145:16) that he satisfies the desire of every living thing, much more will he fulfil the desire of those that fear him; for he that feeds his birds will not starve his babes. He will hear their call and will save them; that is hearing them to purpose, as he heard David (that is, saved him) from the horn of the unicorn, Psa 22:21. 2. The proviso is very reasonable. He will hear and help us, (1.) If we fear him, if we worship and serve him with a holy awe of him; for otherwise how can we expect that he should accept us? (2.) If we call upon him in truth; for he desires truth in the inward part. We must be faithful to God, and sincere in our professions of dependence on him, and devotedness to him. In all devotions inward impressions must be answerable to the outward expressions, else they are not performed in truth.
Thirdly, He takes those under his special protection who have a confidence and complacency in him (Psa 145:20): The Lord preserves all those that love him; they lie exposed in this world, but he, by preserving them in their integrity, will effectually secure them, that no real evil shall befal them.
[3.]If any are destroyed they may thank themselves: All the wicked he will destroy, but they have by their wickedness fitted themselves for destruction. This magnifies his goodness in the protection of the righteous, that with their eyes they shall see the reward of the wicked (Psa 91:8); and God will by this means preserve his people, even by destroying the wicked that would do them a mischief.
Lastly, The psalmist concludes, 1. With a resolution to give glory to God himself (Psa 145:21): My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord. When we have said what we can, in praising God, still there is more to be said, and therefore we must not only begin our thanksgivings with this purpose, as he did (Psa 145:1), but conclude them with it, as he does here, because we shall presently have occasion to begin again. As the end of one mercy is the beginning of another, so should the end of one thanksgiving be. While I have breath to draw, my mouth shall still speak God's praises. 2. With a call to others to do so too: Let all flesh, all mankind, bless his holy name for ever and ever. Some of mankind shall be blessing God for ever; it is a pity but that they should be all so engaged.
For when Your saints bless You, what say they? "They shall tell the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your Power" [Psalm 145:11]. How powerful is God, who has made the earth! How powerful is God, who has filled the earth with good things! How powerful is God, who has given to the animals each its own life! How powerful is God, who has given different seeds to the womb of the earth, that they might make to spring up such various shoots, such beautiful trees! How powerful, how great is God! Do thou ask, creation answers, and by its answer, as by the confession of the creature, you, O saint of God, blessest God, and "talkest of His power."
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SUMMARY
Psalms 145:11 serves as a vibrant declaration of the divine mandate for God's people to actively proclaim the inherent splendor and majestic authority of His eternal reign, alongside the boundless and effective might of His sovereign power. This verse encapsulates the essence of worship as an outward, vocal testimony, highlighting that the recognition of God's attributes naturally leads to their enthusiastic communication to the world. It underscores the purpose of the redeemed community in magnifying the Lord's dominion and omnipotence, inviting all to acknowledge His supreme rule.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 145 is a unique acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses in some versions) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It stands as David's final psalm in the biblical collection, a grand hymn of praise that meticulously details the various facets of God's character. The preceding verse, Psalms 145:10, states that "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee." Psalms 145:11 elaborates on how the saints bless Him, specifically through vocal proclamation of His kingdom's glory and His power. The subsequent verses, such as Psalms 145:12, continue this theme of declaring God's mighty acts and the glorious majesty of His kingdom, leading into the declaration of His everlasting dominion in Psalms 145:13. This verse is thus an integral part of a larger, sustained outpouring of praise, forming a coherent narrative of divine exaltation.
Historical & Cultural Context: Composed by King David, Psalms 145 reflects the perspective of an Israelite monarch deeply committed to the worship of Yahweh. In ancient Israel, the king was not only a political leader but also a spiritual shepherd, responsible for leading the nation in worship and upholding God's covenant. The concept of God's "kingdom" (מַלְכוּת, malkûwth) was central to Israelite identity, rooted in the covenant at Sinai and the promise of a Davidic dynasty that would ultimately point to God's eternal reign. Proclaiming God's power (gᵉbûwrâh) was a common theme, recalling His mighty acts in the Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and His ongoing protection and provision for His people. Public declaration of God's greatness was a vital part of communal worship and national identity, often occurring in temple settings or during festivals, reinforcing the collective memory of God's faithfulness and might.
Key Themes: Psalms 145 is replete with themes of God's sovereignty and majesty, emphasizing His absolute rule over all creation and His inherent worthiness of praise. The psalm consistently highlights God's goodness and compassion, evident in His provision for all living things and His faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen in Psalms 145:9. A prominent theme is also divine power and might, showcased in God's creative acts, His justice, and His ability to deliver and sustain. Finally, the psalm underscores the theme of praise and proclamation, not merely as an internal sentiment but as an active, vocal, and continuous declaration by God's "saints" (His faithful ones), inviting all creation to join in this chorus of adoration, echoing the comprehensive call to praise found throughout Psalms 150. Psalms 145:11 directly embodies this theme of active, communal proclamation of God's attributes.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 145:11 primarily employs Synonymous Parallelism, a common and powerful feature of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses, "They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom" and "and talk of thy power," express very similar ideas using different but related verbs ("speak" and "talk") and complementary nouns ("glory of thy kingdom" and "thy power"). This repetition with variation serves to intensify the message, emphasizing the dual nature of the proclamation: both the majestic beauty of God's reign and His effective omnipotence are to be declared. The use of the pronoun "they" implies a collective, universal witness, further highlighting the widespread and communal nature of this praise. The structure also creates a sense of completeness, suggesting that a full testimony to God must encompass both His inherent majesty and His active might.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:11 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God's inherent majesty and active power are not meant to be hidden but are to be openly proclaimed by His people. This proclamation is an act of worship, a testimony to His sovereignty, and an invitation for others to acknowledge His reign. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God revealing Himself and His people responding with praise and witness. The glory of God's kingdom encompasses His character, His redemptive plan, and His ultimate victory, while His power undergirds all His works, from creation to salvation. This verse underscores the missional dimension of worship, where a heart filled with adoration overflows into vocal declaration, making God's truth accessible and compelling to a watching world.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:11 is a profound call to active, vocal faith. It challenges believers to move beyond private devotion to public declaration of who God is and what He has done. Our lives, both individually and corporately as the church, are meant to be a continuous testament to God's glorious kingdom and His matchless power. This involves not only sharing the Gospel with those who do not know Him but also encouraging and edifying fellow believers by recounting God's faithfulness and might. In a world often consumed by human achievements and fleeting glories, our proclamation of God's eternal kingdom and unwavering power serves as a counter-narrative, pointing to the ultimate reality and source of all true authority and strength. It reminds us that our purpose is inextricably linked to magnifying the One who reigns supreme, inviting others to find their hope and security in His unshakeable dominion.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the glory of thy kingdom" specifically refer to?
Answer: "The glory of thy kingdom" refers to the inherent splendor, majesty, and weighty significance of God's sovereign rule. It encompasses the visible manifestation of His divine presence, His inherent worth, and the awe-inspiring nature of His reign. It speaks to the beauty, holiness, justice, and perfect order of God's dominion, which is not merely a future hope but a present reality that governs all creation, as affirmed in Psalms 103:19. It is the sum total of all that makes God's reign magnificent and worthy of ultimate praise.
Why is it important for "they" (God's people) to speak and talk about God's kingdom and power?
Answer: It is crucial for God's people to speak and talk about His kingdom and power for several reasons. Firstly, it is an act of worship and obedience, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Secondly, it serves as a powerful witness to the world, revealing God's character and inviting others to acknowledge His reign and experience His saving power. Thirdly, it strengthens the faith of believers, reminding them of God's unchanging nature and His ultimate sovereignty, especially in challenging times. This active proclamation is a core aspect of the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:19-20, calling us to make disciples by teaching and proclaiming His truth.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "glory of thy kingdom" and "thy power" are most perfectly revealed and proclaimed through Him. Jesus Himself is the embodiment and inaugurator of God's kingdom, declaring its arrival and demonstrating its power through His miracles, authoritative teachings, and ultimately, His victorious resurrection from the dead. He taught His disciples to pray for the coming of God's kingdom (Matthew 6:10), and He commissioned His followers to preach the good news of the kingdom (Luke 9:2). The "power" spoken of in the Psalm is fully manifested in Christ's victory over sin and death, His authority over creation, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit He sent upon His church. The early church, empowered by the Spirit, continued the mission of "speaking of the glory of His kingdom" and "talking of His power," proclaiming Jesus as Lord and King (Acts 2:36). Thus, the psalmist's call for God's people to declare His attributes becomes the very mission of the church, centered on the person and redemptive work of Christ, through whom God's eternal kingdom is established and His omnipotent power eternally displayed.