Psalm 145. Why worship?
This is the last psalm of David. It is an acrostic psalm, each verse starting with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 13b is not in many manuscripts but it is in some as as it supplies the nun verse which completes the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It begins, ends and at its centre there is praise of God.
Verse 1 and 2 says “I will praise you”, then in verse 3 comes the reason why, this is his greatness. Note that much of the psalm is the response of an individual to this greatness of God.
In verses 10-12 ‘all will praise you’ and verse 13a explains why, ‘He is the king’. After verse 13 there are two passages of four verses each that give the grounds for praising God. 13b - 16 tells us how the Lord always keeps his word and cares for all his creation, feeding us and satisfy people’s innate desires. Verses 17-20 describes the Lord’s righteous and loving character to all his creation but note who the Lord is close to:
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. Psalm 145:18-20
He is especially close to his people, those who honestly depend on him, who have an awe of God and who love him. This are the people he saves. This praise must not just something we feel, we have the responsibility to ensure that future generations also praise him. Note what this praise includes,
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.They speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty - and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works - and I will proclaim your great deeds.” Psalm 145:4-6
Verse 8 refers to Exodus 34:6 where the Lord describes his character. This is the 5th time this is verser is alluded too in the Psalms. Note how this starts with grace, the love of God for us that we don’t deserve.
In verses 10-12 the Kingship of the Lord is mentioned 4 times. This is the prime reason why we must follow his wishes. The words of 13a are those used by King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:3. With the demise of the Jewish kingdom this emphasises the nature of the Lord’s kingdom, which is not of this world.
Telling, speaking and proclaiming what God has done is how God is praised. The response of those who love and fear him is made very clear:
They are open about their praise of the Lord. v.1
They mention his name v.2
This praise is daily and ongoing v. 3
They pass on the reasons why the Lord must be praised to the next generation. v. 4-5
They meditate on all the Lord has done.v.5
Notice how often different words describe how the Lord’s greatness and salvation are passed on to others. v.4 (x2), v.5, v.6 (x2), v.11 (x2)
It is not enough to say the words, the point is to convince people of the truth of this message v. 12
There is an emotional effect on understanding this message v. 7
Possible Questions for Discussion
What conditions does God give for listening to people? v.18, 19, 20
Why does the psalm also say he is loving to all he has made? v. 9, 13b, 14, 15, 16
What is the consequence of loving God? v. 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11
God is described as being righteous but who has he shared this state with? Romans 1:17
What does the Lord long to happen? v.12 So what does imply for us?
