Psalms 145:21

Psalms 145:21 (KJV) serves as a powerful concluding declaration to King David's magnificent psalm of praise. It encapsulates both a personal vow of devotion and a universal, eternal call to worship the Almighty God.

Context

Psalms 145 is unique as it is titled "David's Psalm of Praise," and it is an acrostic psalm (though imperfectly preserved in the KJV translation, it follows the Hebrew alphabet, with each verse beginning with a successive letter). Throughout the psalm, David extols God's greatness, goodness, power, faithfulness, and compassion. He celebrates the LORD's kingdom, everlasting dominion, and righteousness in all His works. Verse 21, therefore, is not an isolated statement but the culmination of David's grand psalm of praise, solidifying his personal commitment and extending the invitation for all creation to join in this perpetual adoration.

Key Themes

• Personal Commitment to Worship: The phrase "My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD" highlights David's individual and intentional decision to devote his life to glorifying God. It's a testament that true worship begins with a personal response to God's character.
• Universal Call to Worship: "Let all flesh bless his holy name" expands the scope of praise beyond David himself to all humanity, and by extension, all living things. This reflects the prophetic vision of a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess the lordship of God.
• Eternal Praise: The phrase "for ever and ever" emphasizes the unending nature of God's worthiness and the perpetual duration of the praise He deserves. It suggests that glorifying God is not a momentary act but an eternal state of being and an everlasting activity for His creation. This theme is echoed in the New Testament's vision of all creation offering unending praise in the new heaven and new earth.
• Reverence for God's Holy Name: To "bless his holy name" signifies deep reverence for God's revealed character, His attributes, and His very being. The "name" of God in Hebrew thought represents His essence and authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "praise" here is tehillah (תְּהִלָּה), which often refers to a hymn or song of praise, emphasizing vocal and expressive adoration. The word "bless" is barak (בָּרַךְ), meaning to kneel, adore, or show reverence, often implying bowing down in homage. "Holy name" (שֵׁם קֹדֶשׁ, shem qodesh) underscores the distinct, set-apart, and pure nature of God, demanding respectful and reverent acknowledgment.

Practical Application

Psalms 145:21 offers profound implications for believers today:

• Personal Responsibility: It calls us to emulate David's personal commitment, ensuring that our own mouths and lives are dedicated to speaking and living out the praise of the LORD. Like Psalms 34:1, it encourages continuous praise.
• Evangelistic Imperative: The desire for "all flesh" to bless God's name fuels our passion for sharing the Gospel, so that others may come to know Him and join in the chorus of praise.
• Eternal Perspective: It reminds us that our praise is not merely for this life but extends into eternity, aligning our hearts with the ultimate purpose of creation. As Psalms 150:6 exhorts, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD."
• Authentic Reverence: It challenges us to approach God's name and character with the utmost respect and holiness, reflecting His glory in our actions and attitudes.