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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.
"That they may make known to the sons of men Your power, and the glory of the greatness of the beauty of Your kingdom" [Psalm 145:12]. Your saints then commend "the glory of the greatness of the beauty of Your kingdom," the glory of the greatness of its beauty. There is a certain "greatness of the beauty of Your kingdom:" that is, Your kingdom has beauty, and great beauty. Since whatever has beauty, has beauty from You, how great beauty has Your whole kingdom! Let not the kingdom frighten us: it has beauty also, wherewith to delight us. For what is that beauty, which the saints shall hereafter enjoy, to whom it shall be said, "Come, you blessed of My Father, enjoy the kingdom"? [Matthew 25:34] Whence shall they come? Whither shall they come? Behold, brethren, and, if you can, as far as you can, think of the beauty of that kingdom which is to come; whence our prayer says, "Your kingdom come." For that kingdom we desire may come, that kingdom the saints proclaim to be coming. Observe this world: it is beautiful. How beautiful are earth, sea, air, heavens, stars. Do not all these frighten him who considers them? Is not the beauty of them so conspicuous, that it seems as though nothing more beautiful could be found? And here, in this beauty, in this fairness almost unspeakable, here worm and mice and all creeping things of the earth live with you, they live with you in all this beauty. How great is the beauty of that kingdom where none but angels live with You! There is a greatness of a certain beauty; let it be loved before it is seen, that when it is seen, it may be retained.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 145:12 serves as a profound declaration of purpose within David's psalm of praise, articulating that the recognition of God's awe-inspiring power and the magnificent splendor of His sovereign rule is not merely for personal contemplation but for active, public proclamation. This verse bridges the divine attributes of God, celebrated throughout the psalm, with humanity's solemn responsibility to bear witness to His character and deeds across generations, ensuring that all people come to know and honor the King of creation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 145:12 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its profound message. Parallelism is evident in the two complementary objects of proclamation: "his mighty acts" and "the glorious majesty of his kingdom." While distinct, these phrases are syntactically and semantically parallel, highlighting different yet interconnected facets of God's greatness that are to be made known. The "mighty acts" speak to His dynamic power in history and creation, while the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" points to His inherent, regal splendor and sovereign authority. This creates a rich, multifaceted understanding of what is to be proclaimed, ensuring comprehensive praise. The pervasive use of Theocentric Language reinforces God's centrality; every phrase is directed towards His attributes and actions, underscoring that He is the ultimate subject and object of all praise and proclamation. Furthermore, the psalm implicitly uses Hyperbole in describing God's "mighty acts" and "glorious majesty" as boundless and beyond full human comprehension, yet still commanded to be declared. This suggests an inexhaustible source of praise and a never-ending task of proclamation, emphasizing the infinite nature of God's character.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:12 articulates a fundamental theological truth: God's self-revelation necessitates human proclamation. It underscores that the knowledge of God's power and the splendor of His reign is not an end in itself for the individual, but a divine trust to be shared universally. This verse connects intimately with the biblical theme of God's desire for all creation to recognize His sovereignty and respond in worship. It portrays a God who is both transcendent in His majesty and immanent in His active involvement in the world, performing deeds that warrant ceaseless praise and declaration. This mandate to "make known" serves as a foundational principle for mission and evangelism throughout scripture, emphasizing that God's character and kingdom are meant to be revealed to every generation and every nation, ensuring that His glory fills the earth and that His praise endures forever.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:12 issues a powerful call to action for every believer: our encounter with God's power and glory must translate into public testimony. It reminds us that our knowledge of God's "mighty acts" – His saving work, His provision, His faithfulness in our lives and in history – is not solely for our personal spiritual enrichment, but for the edification and evangelization of others. We are commissioned to be active participants in God's ongoing revelation to the world. This involves not only verbal proclamation but also living a life that reflects the "glorious majesty of His kingdom" – a life characterized by justice, love, righteousness, and humility that points to His benevolent reign. Our lives become a living commentary on His greatness, inviting others to recognize and submit to His sovereign and good rule. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive admiration to active, intentional witness, ensuring that the truth of who God is and what He has done is made known to "the sons of men" in our generation and those to come, fulfilling our divine purpose as image-bearers and heralds of His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are God's "mighty acts" mentioned in Psalms 145:12?
Answer: God's "mighty acts" (Hebrew: gᵉbûwrâh) refer to His powerful, valorous deeds and interventions throughout history and in creation. These include His acts of creation (e.g., Genesis 1:1), His miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (e.g., Exodus 14), His faithful provision in the wilderness (e.g., Exodus 16), His establishment of the covenant, His judgments against sin, and His ongoing sustenance of the world. In the New Testament, the ultimate "mighty act" is the work of salvation through Jesus Christ, including His perfect life, atoning death, glorious resurrection, and ascension (e.g., Colossians 2:12).
Why is it important to proclaim God's "glorious majesty of his kingdom"?
Answer: Proclaiming the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" is crucial because it declares God's supreme sovereignty and rightful rule over all creation. It reminds humanity that there is an ultimate authority, a divine King whose reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and splendor. This proclamation invites others to acknowledge God's kingship, to submit to His benevolent rule, and to find their true purpose and peace within His kingdom. It counters human pride, idolatry, and false autonomies, pointing to the one true God who reigns eternally and whose dominion is unshakeable (e.g., Psalms 93:1).
Who are "the sons of men" to whom God's acts and kingdom are to be made known?
Answer: "The sons of men" (Hebrew: bên ʼâdâm) is a comprehensive biblical phrase referring to all humanity, without distinction. It emphasizes the universal scope of the command to proclaim God's greatness. This means that the message of God's mighty acts and the glory of His kingdom is intended for every individual, every nation, and every generation. It underscores the missional heart of God, desiring that all people come to know Him, be saved, and come to a knowledge of the truth (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:4).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "mighty act" of God, the supreme demonstration of divine power and love. In His incarnation, sinless life, miraculous works, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, God's power, faithfulness, and redemptive purpose were made known in a way unparalleled in history (e.g., John 1:14). Jesus perfectly embodies the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His very person and mission inaugurated the kingdom of God, making its reality tangible and accessible to humanity, not as an earthly dominion but as a spiritual reign within the hearts of believers (e.g., Luke 17:21). Through Him, the invisible God is made visible, and His glory is fully revealed, for He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature (e.g., John 1:18 and Hebrews 1:3). The call to "make known to the sons of men" God's mighty acts and the majesty of His kingdom is now primarily fulfilled through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20) is the New Testament embodiment of this psalmist's mandate, empowering believers to declare the Good News of the King and His redemptive work to every corner of the earth, inviting all to enter His glorious and everlasting dominion, delivered from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (e.g., Colossians 1:13).