TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 145:1–9. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The entitling of this David's psalm of praise may intimate not only that he was the penman of it, but that he took a particular pleasure in it and sung it often; it was his companion wherever he went. In this former part of the psalm God's glorious attributes are praised, as, in the latter part of the psalm, his kingdom and the administration of it. Observe,
I.Who shall be employed in giving glory to God.
1.Whatever others do, the psalmist will himself be much in praising God. To this good work he here excites himself, engages himself, and has his heart much enlarged in it. What he does, that he will do, having more and more satisfaction in it. It was his duty; it was his delight. Observe, (1.) How he expresses the work itself: "I will extol thee, and bless thy name (Psa 145:1); I will speak well of thee, as thou hast made thyself known, and will therein express my own high thoughts of thee and endeavour to raise the like in others." When we speak honourably of God, this is graciously interpreted and accepted as an extolling of him. Again (Psa 145:2): I will bless thee, I will praise thy name; the repetition intimates the fervency of his affection to this work, the fixedness of his purpose to abound in it, and the frequency of his performances therein. Again (Psa 145:5): I will speak of thy honour, and (Psa 145:6) I will declare thy greatness. He would give glory to God, not only in his solemn devotions, but in his common conversation. If the heart be full of God, out of the abundance of that the mouth will speak with reverence, to his praise, upon all occasions. What subject of discourse can we find more noble, more copious, more pleasant, useful, and unexceptionable, than the glory of God? (2.) How he expresses his resolution to persevere in it. [1.] He will be constant to this work: Every day will I bless thee. Praising God must be our daily work. No day must pass, though ever so busy a day, though ever so sorrowful a day, without praising God. We ought to reckon it the most needful of our daily employments, and the most delightful of our daily comforts. God is every day blessing us, doing well for us; there is therefore reason that we should be every day blessing him, speaking well of him. [2.] He will continue in it: I will bless thee for ever and ever, Psa 145:1 and again Psa 145:2. This intimates, First, That he resolved to continue in this work to the end of his life, throughout his ever in this world. Secondly, That the psalms he penned should be made use of in praising God by the church to the end of time, Ch2 29:30. Thirdly, That he hoped to be praising God to all eternity in the other world. Those that make praise their constant work on earth shall have it their everlasting bliss in heaven.
2.He doubts not but others also would be forward to this work. (1.) "They shall concur in it now; they shall join with me in it: When I declare thy greatness men shall speak of it (Psa 145:6); they shall abundantly utter it" (Psa 145:7), or pour it out (as the word is); they shall praise God with a gracious fluency, better than the most curious oratory. David's zeal would provoke many, and it has done so. (2.) "They shall keep it up when I am gone, in an uninterrupted succession (Psa 145:4): One generation shall praise thy works to another." The generation that is going off shall tell them to that which is rising up, shall tell what they have seen in their days and what they have heard from their fathers; they shall fully and particularly declare thy mighty acts (Psa 78:3); and the generation that is rising up shall follow the example of that which is going off: so that the death of God's worshippers shall be no diminution of his worship, for a new generation shall rise up in their room to carry on that good work, more or less, to the end of time, when it shall be left to that world to do it in which there is no succession of generations.
II.What we must give to God the glory of.
1.Of his greatness and his great works. We must declare, Great is the Lord, his presence infinite, his power irresistible, his brightness insupportable, his majesty awful, his dominion boundless, and his sovereignty incontestable; and therefore there is no dispute, but great is the Lord, and, if great, then greatly to be praised, with all that is within us, to the utmost of our power, and with all the circumstances of solemnity imaginable. His greatness indeed cannot be comprehended, for it is unsearchable; who can conceive or express how great God is? But then it is so much the more to be praised. When we cannot, by searching, find the bottom, we must sit down at the brink, and adore the depth, Rom 11:33. God is great, for,
(1.)His majesty is glorious in the upper world, above the heavens, where he has set his glory; and when we are declaring his greatness we must not fail to speak of the glorious honour of his majesty, the splendour of the glory of his majesty (Psa 145:5), how brightly he shines in the upper world, so as to dazzle the eyes of the angels themselves, and oblige them to cover their faces, as unable to bear the lustre of it.
(2.)His works are wondrous in this lower world. The preservation, maintenance, and government of all the creatures, proclaim the Creator very great. When therefore we declare his greatness we must observe the unquestionable proofs of it, and must declare his mighty acts (Psa 145:4), speak of his wondrous works (Psa 145:5), the might of his terrible acts, Psa 145:6. We must see God acting and working in all the affairs of this lower world. Various instruments are used, but in all events God is the supreme director; it is he that performs all things. Much of his power is seen in the operations of his providence (they are mighty acts, such as cannot be paralleled by the strength of any creature), and much of his justice - they are terrible acts, awful to saints, dreadful to sinners. These we should take all occasions to speak of, observing the finger of God, his hand, his arm, in all, that we may marvel.
2.Of his goodness; this is his glory, Exo 33:19. It is what he glories in (Exo 34:6, Exo 34:7), and it is what we must give him the glory of: They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, Psa 145:7. God's goodness is great goodness, the treasures of it can never be exhausted, nay, they can never be lessened, for he ever will be as rich in mercy as he ever was. It is memorable goodness; it is what we ought always to lay before us, always to have in mind and preserve the memorials of, for it is worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance; and the remembrance we retain of God's goodness we should utter, we should abundantly utter, as those who are full of it, very full of it, and desire that others may be acquainted and affected with it. But, whenever we utter God's great goodness, we must not forget, at the same time, to sing of his righteousness; for, as he is gracious in rewarding those that serve him faithfully, so he is righteous in punishing those that rebel against him. Impartial and inflexible justice is as surely in God as inexhaustible goodness; and we must sing of both together, Rom 11:22.
(1.)There is a fountain of goodness in God's nature (Psa 145:8): The Lord is gracious to those that serve him; he is full of compassion to those that need him, slow to anger to those that have offended him, and of great mercy to all that seek him and sue to him. he is ready to give, and ready to forgive, more ready than we are to ask, than we are to repent.
(2.)There are streams of goodness in all the dispensations of his providence, Psa 145:9. As he is good, so he does good; he is good to all, to all his creatures, from the highest angel to the meanest worm, to all but devils and damned sinners, that have shut themselves out from his goodness. His tender mercies are over all his works.
[1.]All his works, all his creatures, receive the fruits of his merciful care and bounty. It is extended to them all; he hates nothing that he has made.
[2.]The works of his mercy out-shine all his other works, and declare him more than any of them. In nothing will the glory of God be for ever so illustrious as in the vessels of mercy ordained to glory. To the divine goodness will the everlasting hallelujahs of all the saints be sung.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
For how great things besides has His boundless Goodness and illimitable Greatness made, which we do not know! When we lift the gaze of our eyes even to the heaven, and then recall it from sun, moon, and stars to the earth, and there is all this space where our sight can wander; beyond the heavens who can extend the eyesight of his mind, not to say of his flesh? So far then as His works are known to us, let us praise Him through His works. [Romans 1:20] "Generation and generation shall praise Your works" [Psalm 145:4]. Every generation shall praise Your works. For perhaps every generation is meant by "generation and generation."...Did he perchance mean to imply two generations by that repetition? For we are in this generation sons of God, we shall be in another generation sons of the Resurrection. Scripture has called us "sons of the Resurrection;" the Resurrection itself it has called Regeneration. "In the regeneration," it says, "when the Son of Man shall be seated in His Majesty." [Matthew 19:28] So also in another place; "For they shall not marry, nor be given in marriage, for they are the sons of the Resurrection." [Luke 20:35-36] Therefore "generation and generation shall praise Your works....And they shall tell out Your excellence." For neither shall they praise Your works, save in order to "tell out Your excellence." Boys at school are set to praise, and all such things are set before them to be praised, as God has wrought: a mortal is set to praise the sun, the sky, the earth; to come to even lesser things, to praise a rose, or a laurel; all these are works of God: they are set, they are undertaken, they are praised: the works are lauded, of the Worker they are silent. I desire in the works to praise the Creator: I love not a thankless praiser. Do you praise what He has made, and art silent of Him who made? In that which you see, what is it that you praise? The form, the usefulness, some virtue, some power in the things. If beauty delight you, what is more beautiful than the Maker? If usefulness be praised, what more useful than He who made all things? If excellence be praised, what more excellent than He by whom all things were made?...
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Summary
Psalms 145:4 declares the perpetual mandate for each successive generation to actively and vocally transmit the knowledge, praise, and testimony of God's character and deeds to the next. It underscores the vital importance of intergenerational discipleship, ensuring that the divine narrative of creation, providence, and redemption—manifested in God's "works" and "mighty acts"—remains vibrant, celebrated, and deeply embedded in the communal memory and worship of His people through all ages.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 145 is a majestic acrostic hymn of praise, traditionally attributed to King David, celebrating the boundless majesty and goodness of God. Each verse, or pair of verses, generally follows the Hebrew alphabet, creating a comprehensive and ordered declaration of divine attributes and actions. This particular verse, Psalms 145:4, serves as a pivotal transition within the psalm. It shifts from the individual and immediate praise of God's greatness, as articulated in Psalms 145:3, to the communal and enduring responsibility of transmitting that praise across the continuum of generations. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent verses, which continue to elaborate on the eternal nature of God's kingdom, His unwavering faithfulness, and His profound compassion—all of which are explicitly designated as content to be declared and celebrated by every age.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, the diligent transmission of heritage, law, and religious truth from one generation to the next was not merely a cultural norm but a foundational divine imperative. The family unit, alongside the wider community, served as the primary conduit for both education and spiritual formation. The explicit command found in Deuteronomy 6:7 to "diligently teach them to your children" exemplifies this profound emphasis on oral tradition and the lived expression of faith. The "works" and "mighty acts" of God would have resonated deeply with the collective memory of pivotal historical events such as the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, the conquest of Canaan, and God's ongoing providential care. These events were not just historical facts but were foundational to Israel's national identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Thus, this verse reflects a culture where history was understood as sacred, embodying God's active presence, and therefore demanding continuous remembrance, proclamation, and re-enactment through worship and instruction.
Key Themes
Psalms 145:4 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the Generational Transmission of Faith, emphasizing that faith is not a static inheritance but a dynamic, living legacy to be actively passed down. This ensures the continuity and vitality of God's covenant people across time, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering a living relationship with God. Secondly, the verse focuses on God's Works and Mighty Acts as the primary content of this essential transmission. "Thy works" (Hebrew: ma'aseh) refers to God's creative, providential, and ongoing activities in the world, while "thy mighty acts" (Hebrew: gᵉbûwrâh) points specifically to His powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength in salvation, judgment, and the establishment of His kingdom. This echoes the call in Psalm 78:4 to declare God's deeds. Finally, the verse underscores the Active Declaration and Praise required of each generation. It is not sufficient to merely possess knowledge about God; there is a divine call to "praise" and "declare" His deeds, implying a vocal, public, and intentional sharing of testimony and worship that transcends individual experience and becomes a communal heritage, binding generations in a shared narrative of divine faithfulness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "to revolve" or "to encircle," properly signifies a revolution of time, an age, or a generation. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of human existence and the succession of people through time. In this context, it highlights the continuous procession of human beings, each group having the responsibility to receive and transmit the divine narrative, ensuring its perpetual vitality.
A primitive root meaning "to address in a loud tone" or "to commend." It suggests a boisterous, public, and enthusiastic celebration or acclamation. It implies not a quiet, internal appreciation but a vibrant, vocal, and often communal declaration of God's goodness and greatness, indicating an active and audible form of worship that is meant to be heard and witnessed by others.
This feminine passive participle denotes force, valor, victory, or strength. It refers specifically to God's powerful deeds, His miraculous interventions, and His demonstrations of power in history, often in acts of salvation, judgment, or creation. These are the tangible, undeniable evidences of God's active presence and sovereignty that are to be declared and celebrated.
Verse Breakdown
"One generation shall praise thy works to another,"
This opening clause establishes the profound responsibility and privilege of each successive group of people—a "generation"—to actively and vocally laud, celebrate, and worship God for His "works." These "works" encompass His creative acts, His ongoing providential care, and His consistent activity in the world. The crucial phrase "to another" underscores the direct, intentional, and continuous transmission of this praise. It signifies a spiritual relay race, where those who have experienced or learned of God's deeds pass on that adoration and recognition of God's character, as revealed in His actions, to those who follow. This is not a passive inheritance but an active, deliberate impartation.
"and shall declare thy mighty acts."
This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the first, adding depth to the nature of the intergenerational transmission. To "declare" implies making known, announcing, proclaiming, or expounding God's "mighty acts." These "mighty acts" refer to His powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength, valor, and victory, such as the Exodus or the conquest of Canaan. This declaration is not merely an internal acknowledgment but an outward, bold, and public proclamation. The pairing of "praise" and "declare" signifies both an act of worshipful adoration and an act of evangelism or testimony, ensuring that the historical and powerful demonstrations of God's character are not forgotten but actively proclaimed, taught, and celebrated by new generations.
Literary Devices
Psalms 145:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Most prominently, it utilizes Synonymous Parallelism, where the second clause ("and shall declare thy mighty acts") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("One generation shall praise thy works to another"). "Praise thy works" is echoed and strengthened by "declare thy mighty acts," with both "works" and "mighty acts" referring to the divine deeds, and "praise" and "declare" both signifying vocal proclamation and testimony. This repetition serves to intensify the mandate and underscore the dual nature of the transmission: both worshipful adoration and informative testimony. Furthermore, there is an element of Personification, as "one generation" is depicted as an active agent performing the actions of praising and declaring, highlighting the collective, corporate responsibility of a community across time. The implied continuity across successive generations also suggests a powerful theme of Enduring Testimony, where the very passage of time becomes the stage for the perpetual proclamation of God's greatness and faithfulness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is foundational to the theology of intergenerational faith and the enduring nature of God's self-revelation. It posits that God's character and actions are not confined to a single historical moment or a specific group of people but are meant to be known, celebrated, and transmitted through all ages. The continuity of praise ensures that the knowledge of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and power remains vibrant and relevant, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering a perpetual awareness of His active presence. It underscores the relational aspect of faith, where the living God continues to perform "works" and "mighty acts" that demand a response of worship and testimony, thereby fostering a perpetual covenant relationship between God and His people across the span of human history. This divine imperative ensures that the story of God's redemptive work is never lost but continually renewed in the hearts and minds of each new generation.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 145:4 serves as a profound charge for every believer and for the church as a whole, reminding us that our faith is not a private possession but a sacred trust to be stewarded and shared. In an age often characterized by rapid change, historical detachment, and a tendency towards individualism, this verse calls us to intentionally bridge the generational divide, ensuring that the timeless truths of God's "works" and "mighty acts" are not lost to the currents of contemporary culture. This involves more than just formal teaching; it encompasses living out our faith authentically, sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness, recounting biblical narratives with passion and relevance, and modeling a life of genuine praise and worship. Parents, grandparents, mentors, and spiritual leaders are all commissioned to be active conduits of this divine legacy, fostering environments where the next generation can encounter the living God for themselves and be equipped to continue the cycle of praise and declaration. Our worship today is not just for our own spiritual benefit, but it is a vital act of spiritual inheritance and formation for those who will follow in our footsteps.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the intergenerational transmission of faith so crucial according to this verse?
The intergenerational transmission of faith is crucial because it ensures the continuity of God's praise and the knowledge of His character and actions throughout human history. Psalms 145:4 highlights that God's "works" and "mighty acts" are enduring and deserve perpetual adoration. Without intentional declaration from one "generation" to "another," the memory of God's faithfulness and power could fade, leading to spiritual amnesia and a diminished understanding of His sovereignty. This continuity preserves the covenant relationship between God and His people, allowing each new age to experience and respond to His living presence, ensuring that the divine narrative remains vibrant and relevant.
What is the difference between "works" and "mighty acts" in this context?
While both terms refer to God's actions, "works" (Hebrew: maʻăseh) generally encompasses God's ongoing creative activity, providential care, and the regular operations of His kingdom in the world. It speaks to His consistent, reliable, and sustaining nature. "Mighty acts" (Hebrew: gᵉbûwrâh), on the other hand, specifically refers to God's powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength, valor, and victory, such as the Exodus from Egypt or the conquest of Canaan. Both are vital aspects of God's revelation that are to be praised and declared, showcasing His comprehensive engagement with His creation and His people, revealing both His consistent character and His extraordinary power.
How can we "praise" and "declare" God's works and mighty acts in contemporary society?
To "praise" (Hebrew: shâbach) and "declare" (Hebrew: nâgad) God's works and mighty acts today involves both corporate and individual expressions. Corporately, it means vibrant, authentic worship in churches, where God's attributes and deeds are celebrated through song, prayer, and preaching that centers on His revealed character and actions. Individually, it involves sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness in our lives, recounting biblical narratives to our children and others, engaging in intentional discipleship relationships, and living lives that visibly reflect God's character and the impact of His transforming power. It's about making God's story and His ongoing activity known and celebrated in all spheres of life, ensuring that the next "generation" encounters a living, active God, rather than merely an abstract concept.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 145:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme manifestation of God's "works" and "mighty acts," for in Him, God's creative power, redemptive plan, and sovereign rule are perfectly revealed. The "generation" that praises God's works and declares His "mighty acts" now has the definitive act of God's love and power to proclaim: the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The New Testament church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, became the primary conduit for this intergenerational declaration, fulfilling the Great Commission to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Every sermon preached, every testimony shared, and every act of worship that centers on Christ is a continuation of this ancient mandate. Through Jesus, the "mighty acts" of God are not just historical events but living realities, offering salvation and new life to all who believe, ensuring that His praise continues to echo through every age until His glorious return, when "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'" (Revelation 5:13).