Psalms 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

The LORD {H3068} is nigh {H7138} unto all them that call {H7121} upon him, to all that call {H7121} upon him in truth {H571}.

ADONAI is close to all who call on him, to all who sincerely call on him.

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.

Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth.

Psalms 145:18 declares a profound truth about God's relationship with humanity: "The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." This verse offers immense comfort and insight into the nature of divine accessibility and the conditions for genuine communion with God.

Context of Psalms 145:18

Psalm 145 is a majestic psalm of praise, attributed to David. It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses in some traditions) beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, showcasing a comprehensive and ordered declaration of God's attributes. This particular verse falls within a section (verses 14-20) that highlights God's compassionate care, His faithfulness, and His responsiveness to His creation and His people. It emphasizes His active involvement in the world and His readiness to hear and help those who seek Him sincerely. The psalm generally extols God's greatness, power, goodness, and eternal kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Nearness and Accessibility: The phrase "The LORD is nigh" underscores God's immanence – His close presence and active involvement in the lives of His people. He is not a distant, unconcerned deity but one who is readily available and attentive.
  • Universal Invitation: God's nearness extends to "all them that call upon him." This highlights the universal availability of God to anyone, regardless of background, who genuinely seeks Him.
  • The Prerequisite of Truth: The crucial qualifier, "to all that call upon him in truth," emphasizes the necessity of sincerity, integrity, and genuine heart in prayer and worship. It's not merely uttering words, but a heartfelt and honest seeking of God that invites His presence and attention. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on internal devotion over external ritual.
  • Divine Responsiveness: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the implication of God being "nigh" to those who call in truth is His readiness to hear, respond, and act on behalf of those who seek Him with a pure heart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nigh" is qarov (קָרוֹב), which means close, near, or at hand. It conveys a sense of intimacy and readiness to assist. The phrase "call upon him" comes from the Hebrew qara (קָרָא), which means to call out, proclaim, or invoke. It is frequently used in the context of prayer or seeking divine intervention. The critical component is "in truth," from the Hebrew be'emeth (בֶּאֱמֶת). This word signifies faithfulness, sincerity, integrity, and reality. It contrasts with hypocrisy or superficiality, emphasizing that God looks at the heart of the one praying, not just the words.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully resonates with other scriptures that speak of God's availability and the importance of sincerity in seeking Him. For instance, Deuteronomy 4:7 asks, "For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?" The concept of calling upon the Lord for salvation is found in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." The emphasis on truth and sincerity echoes John 4:24, where Jesus states, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Practical Application

Psalms 145:18 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It assures us that God is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved and attentive to our cries. This verse challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts when we approach God. Are we calling upon Him with genuine sincerity, seeking His will and presence, or merely going through the motions? It reminds us that true prayer is not just about words, but about a heart that honestly desires to connect with the divine. This verse serves as a powerful invitation to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that He is already near to those who seek Him with integrity and truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 29:12

    Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:13

    And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

  • Psalms 34:18

    The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

  • Deuteronomy 4:7

    For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

  • John 4:24

    God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

  • Isaiah 58:9

    Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
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