Psalms 145:7

Psalms 145:7 is a vibrant declaration of the communal and abundant praise due to God for His character and deeds. It describes the fervent response of God's people to His manifest attributes, emphasizing both verbal proclamation and joyous song.

Context of Psalms 145

Psalm 145 is a magnificent psalm of praise by King David, an acrostic poem where each verse (mostly) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It stands as a hymn of worship, celebrating God's majesty, power, goodness, and faithfulness. This particular verse fits within a larger theme of God's universal care and His just governance, inviting all generations to acknowledge His greatness. The entire psalm is a testament to the unsearchable greatness of God, leading naturally to overflowing praise.

Key Themes and Messages

• Abundant Proclamation: The phrase "abundantly utter" suggests an overflowing, spontaneous, and joyful declaration of God's attributes. It's not a reluctant whisper but a gushing forth of praise.
• Remembrance of Goodness: "The memory of thy great goodness" highlights the importance of recalling God's past acts of kindness, benevolence, and provision. This remembrance fuels present and future praise, providing a foundation for faith even in challenging times.
• Singing of Righteousness: The verse pairs God's goodness with His righteousness. While goodness speaks to His benevolence, righteousness speaks to His justice, integrity, and faithfulness in all His dealings. To "sing of thy righteousness" means to celebrate His perfect moral character and His consistent adherence to what is right and true. This holistic praise acknowledges both His loving nature and His just governance.
• Generational Praise: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 145 often implies that this praise is passed down through generations (e.g., Psalm 145:4). This verse contributes to that theme by describing the active, vocal commitment of the faithful to keep God's memory alive.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "abundantly utter" is naba (נָבַע), which literally means "to gush forth," "to bubble up," or "to pour out." This vividly conveys the idea of praise that cannot be contained but bursts forth freely and copiously. It's a powerful image of heartfelt, uninhibited declaration. "Goodness" is tov (טוֹב), encompassing all aspects of God's kind, beneficial, and pleasant nature. "Righteousness" is tsedeq (צֶדֶק), referring to God's moral uprightness, justice, and fidelity to His covenant promises. Understanding these terms enhances appreciation for the depth of the praise being described.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to action for believers today. It reminds us that our faith should not be silent or passive. We are called to:

• Actively Proclaim: To "abundantly utter" means to share God's goodness and righteousness with others, not just internally. This can be through testimony, evangelism, or simply living a life that reflects His character.
• Remember and Reflect: Take time to recall God's past faithfulness and kindness in your own life and in history. This practice of remembrance strengthens faith and cultivates gratitude, much like the psalmist often encourages (see Psalm 77:11).
• Worship with Understanding: Our praise should encompass both God's loving nature and His perfect justice. Singing of His righteousness acknowledges His sovereign control and His commitment to what is right, even when we don't fully understand His ways. This holistic view of God leads to deeper worship, as highlighted in other calls to praise (Psalm 96:1).

Ultimately, Psalms 145:7 encourages a life of vibrant, vocal, and joyful praise rooted in a deep understanding and remembrance of who God is and what He has done.