Psalms 145:9

KJV

The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is good {H2896} to all: and his tender mercies {H7356} are over all his works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is good to all; his compassion rests on all his creatures.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is good to all; And his tender mercies are over all his works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:9 profoundly declares the universal and inherent benevolence of God, asserting that His goodness extends to all creation. It further reveals that His deep, compassionate mercies are not merely present but actively oversee and encompass every aspect of His handiwork, demonstrating His boundless care and comprehensive providence over all things He has made.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 stands as a magnificent acrostic psalm, one of the final Hallel Psalms, attributed to David. It is a grand hymn of praise, systematically extolling the character and deeds of Yahweh. Each verse (or pair of verses) typically begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, though the verse for the letter Nun is absent in the Masoretic Text but present in the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls. The psalm builds a cumulative picture of God's majesty, power, righteousness, and faithfulness, moving from His eternal kingdom (verses 1-13) to His compassionate care for all creatures (verses 14-20). Verse 9 serves as a central declaration within this broader theme, emphasizing the universal scope of God's benevolent nature, which is a recurring motif throughout the psalm, particularly in its focus on God's provision for all who look to Him (e.g., [Psalms 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalms 145:15-16 - God's Provision for All Living Things")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, a shepherd-king deeply attuned to both the natural world and the covenant relationship between God and Israel, Psalm 145 reflects a mature understanding of divine character. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, deities were often capricious or limited in their scope of influence. However, the God of Israel, Yahweh, is consistently portrayed as sovereign over all creation and uniquely characterized by steadfast love (חֶסֶד, *ḥesed*) and compassion. The concept of God's universal goodness would have stood in stark contrast to the tribal or localized gods of surrounding nations. Furthermore, the agricultural society of ancient Israel would have deeply appreciated the implications of God's "tender mercies" extending "over all his works," as their very survival depended on the benevolent providence of rain, harvest, and the flourishing of life, themes often linked to divine blessing in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - God's Blessing of Rain and Prosperity")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's inherent and universal goodness**, asserting that His benevolent nature is not limited to a select people or circumstance but extends to "all" of His creation. This underscores His impartial and overflowing generosity, sustaining and providing for everything He has made. Secondly, the phrase "tender mercies" introduces the theme of **divine compassion and nurturing care**. The Hebrew term conveys a deep, visceral empathy, akin to a parent's profound affection, signifying God's active, caring concern that oversees and sustains. This is a foundational aspect of God's character revealed throughout Scripture, from His covenant faithfulness to Israel (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Declaration of His Name and Character")) to His care for the vulnerable. Lastly, the declaration that these mercies are "over all his works" emphasizes **God's comprehensive sovereignty and providence** over every aspect of His creation, from the smallest creature to the grandest celestial bodies (as seen in [Psalms 19:1-6](/psalms/19-1 "Psalms 19:1-6 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, H2896, is derived from the root טוֹב. It is a remarkably rich word, denoting not only moral goodness but also pleasantness, beneficence, suitability, and well-being. When applied to the LORD, it signifies His inherent nature as the source of all that is beneficial, beautiful, and right. It encompasses His bountifulness, kindness, and the prosperity He brings, suggesting that His very being is characterized by a disposition to bless and provide for His creation.
* **tender mercies (Hebrew, _racham'_):** The word H7356, *racham*, often appears in the plural (*rachamim*) and is deeply significant. Its root is connected to the word for "womb" (*rechem*), conveying a visceral, profound, and nurturing love, akin to a mother's unconditional affection for her child. It signifies not just pity or sympathy, but an active, internal, and deeply compassionate concern that moves God to care, protect, and sustain. This is a unique and intimate expression of divine love, distinct from other terms for kindness.
* **works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This noun, H4639, from the verb עָשָׂה (to do, make), refers to an action, a transaction, or by implication, a product or property. In the context of God, "His works" encompasses everything He has created and accomplished – the entire cosmos, all living beings, and the ongoing acts of His providence. The scope of God's goodness and tender mercies is thus declared to extend to the totality of His creative and sustaining activity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] good to all":** This opening clause establishes a foundational truth about God's character. "The LORD" (Yahweh) refers to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal and relational nature. The declaration that He "is good" speaks to His inherent moral perfection and benevolent disposition. The crucial addition "to all" universalizes this goodness, indicating that His beneficence is not exclusive but extends indiscriminately to all humanity and indeed, to all His creation, demonstrating His common grace and impartial kindness.
* **"and his tender mercies [are] over all his works":** This second clause expands upon the first, specifying the nature and scope of God's benevolence. "His tender mercies" (rachamim) highlights His deep, compassionate, and nurturing love. The phrase "are over" (literally, "upon" or "above") implies an active, overseeing, and protective presence. This compassion is not limited but extends "over all his works," encompassing every single thing He has created. This signifies God's comprehensive providence, ensuring that His active care and deep concern are perpetually engaged with the entirety of His creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:9 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line reiterates and expands upon the truth of the first. "The LORD is good to all" is echoed and amplified by "his tender mercies are over all his works," with "good" being paralleled by "tender mercies" and "to all" by "over all his works." This repetition reinforces the universality and depth of God's benevolence. The use of "all" in both clauses functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the boundless and comprehensive reach of God's character. Furthermore, the concept of "tender mercies" (rachamim) carries a strong sense of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God a human-like, visceral compassion, rooted in the imagery of a mother's womb, making His divine care relatable and profoundly intimate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:9 articulates a core truth about God's character that resonates throughout the biblical narrative: His inherent goodness and boundless compassion. This verse affirms God's common grace, the unmerited favor He extends to all humanity and creation, sustaining life and providing for basic needs regardless of an individual's spiritual standing. It underscores that God's love is not merely a sentiment but an active, overseeing presence that ensures the well-being of His entire creation. This truth forms the basis for understanding God's faithfulness, His patience, and His ultimate redemptive plan, demonstrating that His nature is fundamentally oriented towards life, blessing, and restoration.

* [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Common Grace")
* [Luke 6:35-36](/luke/6-35 "Luke 6:35-36 - Be Merciful as Your Father is Merciful")
* [Jonah 4:11](/jonah/4-11 "Jonah 4:11 - God's Compassion for Nineveh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:9 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to worship. To know that the Creator of the universe is not indifferent or harsh, but inherently "good to all" and that His "tender mercies are over all his works," provides an unshakable foundation for trust. In a world often marked by suffering, injustice, and despair, this verse reminds us that divine benevolence is the ultimate reality governing existence. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the unchanging character of God, fostering a deep sense of security and prompting heartfelt gratitude. Furthermore, as image-bearers of this good and merciful God, we are called to reflect His character in our own lives, extending kindness, compassion, and care to all people, especially the vulnerable, and to be good stewards of the creation He so tenderly oversees. This verse challenges us to live with open hands and hearts, mirroring the divine generosity we ourselves receive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's universal goodness and tender mercies impact your perspective on suffering and injustice in the world?**
* **In what specific ways can you, as an image-bearer of God, extend "goodness" and "tender mercies" to "all" in your sphere of influence today?**
* **How does understanding God's comprehensive care "over all his works" deepen your appreciation for creation and your responsibility towards it?**

### FAQ
**Does "all" in this verse refer only to humanity, or does it include animals and the natural world?**

Answer: The context of "all his works" strongly suggests that "all" refers to the entirety of God's creation, encompassing not only humanity but also animals, plants, and the natural world. The Psalms frequently highlight God's comprehensive care for all living things, as seen in passages like [Psalms 36:6](/psalms/36-6 "Psalms 36:6 - God Preserves Man and Beast") and [Psalms 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - A Psalm of Creation and Providence"), which describe His provision for various creatures. Therefore, Psalms 145:9 emphasizes God's universal benevolence and compassionate oversight over every aspect of His handiwork.

**How can God be "good to all" when there is so much suffering and evil in the world?**

Answer: This verse speaks to God's inherent character and common grace, meaning His fundamental disposition is benevolent, and He provides for the basic needs of all life, sustaining the world even amidst human sin and its consequences. The presence of suffering and evil is a complex theological issue, often attributed to the fallen nature of humanity, the choices of free moral agents, and the brokenness of creation due to sin (as described in [Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20 "Romans 8:20-22 - Creation Groans Under the Curse")). However, God's goodness is still evident in His patience, His provision, His pursuit of reconciliation, and His ultimate promise of redemption and restoration, which will one day eradicate all suffering (as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:9, with its declaration of God's universal goodness and tender mercies over all His works, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the visible embodiment of the invisible God, revealing the Father's boundless benevolence in human flesh. Through Christ, God's goodness is not merely a distant attribute but a tangible reality experienced in His healing touch, His compassionate teachings, and His selfless service to all, regardless of their background or status (as seen in [Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, perfectly demonstrated God's tender mercies by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world, extending grace and salvation even to those who were His enemies (as proclaimed in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the supreme "work" of God, through which His tender mercies are poured out not just "over all his works" of creation, but specifically to redeem and restore fallen humanity and indeed, all of creation, bringing all things under His benevolent reign (as anticipated in [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Christ Reconciles All Things")). Thus, Christ is the living proof that "The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Jonah 4:11

And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle?

Psalms 104:27

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.