Psalm 145 is a celebration of the greatness of God. In verses 1-3, David proclaims that he will bless God and worship him and praise him. Even though David proclaims that God is great, he can only know it partially for “his greatness is unsearchable” (v. 3). In verses 4-7, David says that generations to come will praise God for his being and works. David himself will meditate on this and declare God’s greatness. In verses 8-9, David interjects to give us a picture of what God is like. He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and is good to all. In verses 10-13, David speaks of God’s everlasting kingdom, and that everything God does is for the glory of his kingdom. Verses 14-20 speak of God’s nearness to his people and those who call on him. Verse 21 ends the psalm with a vow to “praise the LORD” and a call for everyone to “bless his holy name forever and ever.”
Ultimately, God’s person and work (cf. v. 5) is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ. He was God in the flesh and he faithfully performed the works of God (John 10:25, 32; Acts 2:22). God’s grace, mercy, love, and goodness is ultimately revealed in Christ, most specifically on the cross (Rom. 5:8-10).
Jesus is the one whom God sent to establish an everlasting kingdom, built not upon ethnicity, geography, and law, but upon Spirit, truth, and grace (Heb. 12:28). Jesus is the one who ultimately brings verses 14-20 to God’s people: Without the cross, no one would be able to come to God; without the cross, no one would love God and all would be wicked and would be destroyed. Jesus allows all men to come to him to bless God’s holy name, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic status, gender, or age (John 10:16; Rom. 10:12; Gal. 5:6; Col. 3:11; Rev. 5:9).
JAMES PRUCH 