Psalms 145:9

Psalms 145:9 declares a profound truth about God's character: "The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works." This verse beautifully encapsulates the boundless benevolence and compassion of the Creator toward all of His creation.

Context

Psalm 145 is a magnificent psalm of praise, attributed to King David. It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though one letter's verse is missing in the Masoretic Text, it appears in other ancient versions like the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls). The psalm systematically extols God's greatness, power, majesty, righteousness, and most notably, His goodness and mercy. Verse 9 fits seamlessly into this grand declaration, emphasizing the universal scope of God's benevolent nature, which is a recurring theme throughout the psalm.

Key Themes

• God's Universal Goodness: The phrase "The LORD is good to all" underscores that God's inherent nature is benevolent, extending His kindness not just to a select group (like Israel) but to all humanity and indeed, all living things. This highlights His impartial and overflowing generosity, sustaining and providing for everything He has made.
• Tender Mercies (Compassion): "And his tender mercies are over all his works" points to God's deep, empathetic compassion. The Hebrew word for "tender mercies" is rachamim (plural of racham), which is derived from the word for "womb" (rechem). This conveys a visceral, profound, and nurturing love, akin to a mother's unconditional affection for her child. It signifies not just pity, but an active, caring concern that oversees and sustains.
• Sovereignty Over Creation: The phrase "over all his works" emphasizes that God's goodness and mercy are not limited to human beings but extend to every aspect of His creation. From the smallest creature to the grandest celestial bodies, all are under His benevolent oversight and care. This speaks to His comprehensive providence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "good" is tov (טוֹב), which denotes not only moral goodness but also pleasantness, beneficence, and suitability. It signifies a state of well-being and blessing. The term for "tender mercies," rachamim (רַחֲמִים), is particularly rich. As mentioned, its root connects to the "womb," conveying a deep, internal, and compassionate affection. This is distinct from other forms of kindness or love, highlighting God's profound, nurturing, and protective care for His creation.

Cross-References and Connections

This verse's teaching on God's universal goodness and compassion resonates throughout Scripture:

• The LORD's goodness to all is beautifully illustrated by His sending rain on the just and on the unjust, demonstrating His common grace that benefits all people regardless of their spiritual standing.
• The depth of God's love for humanity is further revealed in John 3:16, where His love for the world is shown through the gift of His Son.
• The character of God as "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" is a foundational declaration repeated throughout the Old Testament, notably in Exodus 34:6-7.
• The universal scope of God's care is also seen in passages like Matthew 6:26, where Jesus points to God's feeding of the birds as an example of His comprehensive providence.

Practical Application

Psalms 145:9 offers immense comfort and inspiration for believers and a compelling truth for all:

1. Encourages Trust: Knowing that God's goodness and tender mercies extend to all His works provides a deep sense of security and encourages trust in His benevolent care, even in difficult times.
2. Inspires Gratitude and Worship: Recognizing God's universal and compassionate provision should fill our hearts with profound gratitude and move us to worship Him for His inherent nature.
3. Promotes Compassion: As image-bearers of God, we are called to reflect His character. This verse challenges us to extend kindness, compassion, and mercy to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, and to care for creation.
4. Offers Hope: For those who feel overlooked or despairing, this verse reminds us that God's goodness is not limited; His compassionate eye is indeed "over all His works," offering hope and solace.