Psalm 145
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

I Will Exalt You, My God and King

A Psalm of praise. Of David.a

1 I will exalt You, my God and King;

I will bless Your name forever and ever.

2Every day I will bless You,

and I will praise Your name forever and ever.

3Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;

His greatness is unsearchable.

4One generation will commend Your works to the next,

and will proclaim Your mighty acts—

5the glorious splendor of Your majesty.

And I will meditate on Your wondrous works.

6They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds,

and I will declare Your greatness.

7They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness

and sing joyfully of Your righteousness.

8The LORD is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

9The LORD is good to all;

His compassion rests on all He has made.

10All You have made will give You thanks, O LORD,

and Your saints will bless You.

11They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom

and speak of Your might,

12to make known to men Your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.

13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and Your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful in all His words

and kind in all His actions.b

14The LORD upholds all who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15The eyes of all look to You,

and You give them their food in season.

16You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17The LORD is righteous in all His ways

and kind in all His deeds.

18The LORD is near to all who call on Him,

to all who call out to Him in truth.

19He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;

He hears their cry and saves them.

20The LORD preserves all who love Him,

but all the wicked He will destroy.

21My mouth will declare the praise of the LORD;

let every creature bless His holy name

forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Psalm 145 Summary
I Will Exalt You, My God and King

Verses 1–3 – Unending Praise to the King
David personally commits to bless God “forever and ever,” exalting the LORD as “great… greatly to be praised.” The opening sets a tone of lifelong, daily worship that celebrates God’s unmatched greatness.

Verses 4–7 – Generation to Generation Testify
Every age is called to declare God’s mighty acts. accounts of deliverance, miracles, and goodness are to be retold so that praise never fades. Celebration of “the glorious splendor” of God’s majesty fuels fresh awe.

Verses 8–9 – The LORD’s Gracious Character
Echoing Exodus 34:6, David highlights the LORD as “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in loving devotion.” God’s goodness embraces “all,” underscoring His universal care.

Verses 10–13a – Universal Kingdom Rule
All creation and all God’s people bless Him, proclaiming “the glory of Your kingdom.” God’s rule is everlasting, His dominion extending “through all generations,” prefiguring the prayer “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10).

Verses 13b–16 – Provider for Every Creature
Faithfulness and kindness flow from the King: He lifts the fallen, satisfies every living thing, and opens His hand in generous care. The Creator’s daily provision displays royal kindness.

Verses 17–20 – Near to All Who Call
The LORD’s righteousness and mercy meet those who call on Him in truth. He guards those who fear Him yet will “destroy the wicked,” assuring final justice.

Verse 21 – Never-Ending Personal Praise
David’s own lips close the psalm as they began—resolute praise that invites “every creature” to join “forever and ever.”


Psalm 145, one of the closing songs of the book of Psalms, is a Psalm of praise written by King David. It's a hymn that exalts the greatness, compassion, and righteousness of God, recounting His mighty acts and His faithful and loving nature. The psalm illustrates a deep personal connection between the psalmist and God, offering insights into the heart of David and providing a template for praising God.

Historical Setting and Authorship

Psalm 145 bears David’s name and reflects the language of a king mindful of God’s covenant promises (2 Samuel 7). The psalm is an alphabetic acrostic: each verse begins with successive Hebrew letters, a teaching device aiding memory. The verse for the letter nun is absent in the Masoretic Text but appears in some Septuagint manuscripts, showing early textual care.

Structure and Literary Features

• Opening vow of praise (vv. 1–2)

• Declaration of God’s greatness (v. 3)

• Generational testimony (vv. 4–7)

• Confession of God’s gracious character (vv. 8–9)

• Celebration of God’s kingdom (vv. 10–13a)

• Focus on God’s providence (vv. 13b–16)

• Assurance of God’s nearness and justice (vv. 17–20)

• Closing vow (v. 21)

The acrostic design mirrors the fullness of praise—A to Z—while the parallelism typical of Hebrew poetry reinforces key truths.

Key Themes

1. Lifelong, continuous praise.

2. Passing faith accounts to future generations.

3. God’s compassion and grace as central to His identity.

4. The global, everlasting kingdom of God.

5. God’s daily provision for all creatures.

6. Intimacy with God available to all who call on Him.

7. Final justice—deliverance for the faithful, judgment for the wicked.

The LORD’s Character in Everyday Language

• Gracious: He gives favor we don’t deserve.

• Compassionate: He feels with us and moves to help.

• Slow to anger: Patient, giving time to repent.

• Loving devotion: Loyal love that never quits.

These traits recur throughout Scripture—see Numbers 14:18; Jonah 4:2; Joel 2:13.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:6–7: Primary self-revelation echoed in vv. 8–9.

1 Chronicles 29:11–13: David’s earlier praise for God’s kingdom, power, and glory.

Psalm 103 and 111: Similar acrostic praise focused on God’s benefits and works.

Isaiah 40:26; Matthew 6:26: God provides for creation (vv. 15–16).

Revelation 5:13: “Every creature” praising parallels v. 21.

Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” resonates with vv. 18–19.

Messianic and New Testament Echoes

Jesus announces, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17), fulfilling the kingdom language of vv. 10–13. His miracles of feeding multitudes (Mark 6:30–44) embody God “opening His hand” (v. 16). The final judgment scenes of Matthew 25 mirror vv. 19–20: mercy for the righteous, destruction of evil.

Practical Application for Believers

• Make praise a daily rhythm—morning and night (v. 2).

• Tell faith accounts to children, friends, and newer believers (vv. 4–7).

• Let God’s gracious nature shape how you treat others—patient, compassionate (vv. 8–9).

• Serve with kingdom vision, knowing God reigns no matter world events (vv. 10–13).

• Trust God for daily needs; He feeds sparrows and you (vv. 15–16; Matthew 6:26).

• Call on the LORD in truth—honest prayer welcomes His nearness (v. 18).

• Live with reverent respect; God guards those who fear Him (v. 20).

Archaeological and Cultural Background

In David’s era, kings were praised with set formulas highlighting power and conquest. Psalm 145 redirects such acclaim to God alone. Ancient Near Eastern banquet imagery—open hands giving food (v. 16)—reflects royal generosity inscriptions discovered in Babylonian texts, yet credits divine, not human, royalty.

Hebrew Text Notes

• “Loving devotion” (ḥesed) conveys steadfast, covenant love.

• “Mighty acts” (gĕbûrôt) points to military victories like the Exodus crossing (Exodus 15).

• Acrostic format underlines order and completeness, turning the alphabet into an instrument of worship.

Closing Reflection

Psalm 145 moves from one person’s song to a universal chorus. When David’s single voice invites “every creature” to bless the LORD forever, the psalm pulls today’s reader into an eternal praise already resounding in heaven.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Psalm 103:8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.

Exodus 34:6
The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Teaching Points
God's Majesty and Greatness
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3). This verse reminds us that God's greatness is beyond human comprehension, inviting us to a posture of humility and reverence.

Generational Praise
One generation will commend Your works to the next, and they shall proclaim Your mighty acts (Psalm 145:4). The importance of passing down the knowledge of God's works and character to future generations is emphasized.

God's Compassion and Mercy
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion (Psalm 145:8). This highlights God's patient and loving nature, offering hope and comfort to all who seek Him.

Universal Kingship
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations (Psalm 145:13). God's reign is eternal, affirming His sovereignty over all creation.

God's Provision and Faithfulness
The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season (Psalm 145:15). This verse assures us of God's provision and faithfulness to meet our needs.
Practical Applications
Cultivate a Heart of Praise
Regularly set aside time to praise God for His attributes and works, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.

Share God's Works
Make it a priority to share testimonies of God's faithfulness and mighty acts with family, friends, and the next generation.

Embrace God's Compassion
Reflect on God's graciousness and extend that same compassion and mercy to others in your daily interactions.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of God's eternal kingdom and His control over all circumstances.

Rely on God's Provision
Trust in God's timing and provision, bringing your needs before Him in prayer and resting in His faithfulness.
People
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in Psalm 145, referred to as "the LORD" in the Berean Standard Bible. The psalm praises His greatness, majesty, and enduring kingdom. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is יהוה (YHWH), the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.

2. David
The author of the psalm, who is traditionally understood to be King David. He is the one offering praise and declaring the greatness of God throughout the psalm. David's role is that of a worshiper and a leader who encourages others to praise God.
Places
1. Heaven
While not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 145, the psalm's focus on God's eternal kingdom and His mighty acts can be seen as a reference to heaven. The Hebrew word "מַלְכוּת" (malkuth) refers to God's kingdom, which is often associated with His heavenly reign.

2. Earth
The psalm speaks of God's works and mighty acts, which are evident throughout the earth. The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) is commonly used in the Old Testament to denote the earth or land, highlighting the scope of God's creation and providence.

3. Zion
Although not directly mentioned in this psalm, Zion is often understood as a symbolic place representing God's presence and His people. The themes of God's kingship and His care for His people can be associated with Zion, a central place in biblical theology.

4. The Kingdom of God
The psalm repeatedly emphasizes God's kingdom, which is both a present reality and a future hope. The Hebrew term "מַלְכוּת" (malkuth) is used to describe God's sovereign rule, which transcends physical locations and encompasses all creation.
Events
1. Exaltation of God
The psalm begins with David's personal commitment to exalt and bless the name of God forever and ever. This reflects the Hebrew root "רום" (rum), meaning to lift up or exalt. (Psalm 145:1)

2. Daily Praise
David declares his intention to bless God every day, emphasizing the continual nature of worship. The Hebrew word "ברך" (barak) is used, meaning to bless or kneel. (Psalm 145:2)

3. Greatness of the Lord
The psalm highlights the greatness of the Lord, stating that His greatness is unsearchable. The Hebrew word "גדול" (gadol) is used, meaning great or large. (Psalm 145:3)

4. Generational Praise
One generation is encouraged to commend God's works to another, showing the importance of passing down the knowledge of God’s mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)

5. Meditation on Majesty
The psalmist speaks of meditating on the glorious splendor of God's majesty and His wondrous works. The Hebrew root "הגה" (hagah) means to meditate or ponder. (Psalm 145:5)

6. Declaration of Power
The psalmist notes that people will speak of the power of God's awesome deeds and declare His greatness. (Psalm 145:6)

7. Abundant Goodness and Righteousness
The psalmist proclaims the fame of God's abundant goodness and sings of His righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)

8. Gracious and Compassionate Nature
The Lord is described as gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. The Hebrew word "חנון" (chanun) means gracious, and "רחום" (rachum) means compassionate. (Psalm 145:8)

9. Universal Goodness
The Lord is good to all, and His compassion extends over all His creation. (Psalm 145:9)

10. Praise from Creation
All of God's works are said to give thanks to Him, and His saints bless Him. (Psalm 145:10)

11. Kingdom and Sovereignty
The psalmist speaks of the glory of God's kingdom and His everlasting dominion. The Hebrew word "מלכות" (malkut) refers to kingdom or reign. (Psalm 145:11-13)

12. Support for the Fallen
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

13. Provision for All
The eyes of all look to God, and He provides them with food in due season. (Psalm 145:15-16)

14. Righteousness and Kindness
The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. (Psalm 145:17)

15. Nearness to Callers
The Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

16. Fulfillment of Desires
God fulfills the desires of those who fear Him and hears their cries, saving them. (Psalm 145:19)

17. Preservation of the Faithful
The Lord watches over all who love Him but will destroy the wicked. (Psalm 145:20)

18. Eternal Praise
The psalm concludes with a commitment to speak the praise of the Lord, with a call for all flesh to bless His holy name forever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)
Topics
1. Exaltation of God's Name
The psalm begins with a commitment to exalt and bless God's name forever. The Hebrew word for "exalt" (רוּם, rum) conveys lifting up or elevating God above all.
^"I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever."^ (Psalm 145:1)

2. Daily Praise
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of daily worship and praise, highlighting the continuous nature of devotion.
^"Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever."^ (Psalm 145:2)

3. Greatness of the Lord
God's greatness is described as unsearchable, indicating that His nature and works are beyond human comprehension. The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) signifies magnitude and importance.
^"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable."^ (Psalm 145:3)

4. Generational Praise
The psalmist speaks of one generation declaring God's works to another, emphasizing the transmission of faith and testimony.
^"One generation will commend Your works to the next, and they shall proclaim Your mighty acts."^ (Psalm 145:4)

5. Meditation on God's Splendor
The psalmist reflects on the glorious splendor of God's majesty and His wondrous works, encouraging meditation on His divine attributes.
^"I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works."^ (Psalm 145:5)

6. Declaration of God's Power
The mighty acts of God are to be declared, showcasing His power and deeds throughout history.
^"They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness."^ (Psalm 145:6)

7. Abundance of Goodness
God's abundant goodness and righteousness are celebrated, highlighting His benevolent nature.
^"They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness and sing joyfully of Your righteousness."^ (Psalm 145:7)

8. Grace and Compassion
The Lord is described as gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love, reflecting His merciful character.
^"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion."^ (Psalm 145:8)

9. Universal Goodness
God's goodness extends to all creation, and His compassion is over all His works, indicating His universal care.
^"The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made."^ (Psalm 145:9)

10. Faithfulness to Promises
The psalmist affirms God's faithfulness in keeping His promises and His loving nature towards all He has made.
^"The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made."^ (Psalm 145:13)

11. Support for the Fallen
God is portrayed as one who upholds those who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down, demonstrating His sustaining power.
^"The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."^ (Psalm 145:14)

12. Provision for All
The psalmist acknowledges God's provision, as He gives food and satisfies the desires of every living thing.
^"You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing."^ (Psalm 145:16)

13. Righteousness and Nearness
God's righteousness and His nearness to those who call on Him in truth are highlighted, emphasizing His just and relational nature.
^"The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds."^ (Psalm 145:17)

14. Preservation of the Faithful
The Lord preserves those who love Him, but the wicked will be destroyed, underscoring the theme of divine justice.
^"The LORD watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy."^ (Psalm 145:20)

15. Eternal Praise
The psalm concludes with a call for all flesh to bless God's holy name forever, reinforcing the eternal nature of worship.
^"My mouth will declare the praise of the LORD; let every creature bless His holy name forever and ever."^ (Psalm 145:21)
Themes
1. Praise and Worship of God’s Majesty
Psalm 145 begins with a call to exalt and bless the name of the Lord forever and ever. The psalmist emphasizes the greatness of God, stating, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable" (Psalm 145:3). The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) underscores the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's nature.

2. Generational Declaration of God’s Works
The psalm highlights the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's mighty acts from one generation to the next: "One generation will commend Your works to the next, and they shall proclaim Your mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4). This theme underscores the continuity of faith and the responsibility to teach future generations about God's deeds.

3. God’s Glorious Splendor and Wondrous Works
The psalmist reflects on the splendor and majesty of God’s works, stating, "On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate" (Psalm 145:5). The Hebrew word for "wondrous" (פֶּלֶא, pele) conveys the miraculous and awe-inspiring nature of God's actions.

4. God’s Compassion and Mercy
A central theme is the Lord’s gracious and compassionate nature: "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion" (Psalm 145:8). The Hebrew term for "compassionate" (רַחוּם, rachum) highlights God's tender mercy and kindness.

5. Universal Kingship of God
The psalm affirms God’s eternal kingship and dominion over all creation: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations" (Psalm 145:13). This theme emphasizes the sovereignty and eternal rule of God.

6. God’s Faithfulness and Righteousness
The psalmist declares God’s faithfulness in all His promises and His righteousness in all His ways: "The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His actions" (Psalm 145:13b). The Hebrew word for "faithful" (נֶאֱמָן, ne'eman) signifies trustworthiness and reliability.

7. God’s Provision and Care for Creation
The psalm describes God’s provision for all living things: "The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season" (Psalm 145:15). This theme highlights God’s role as the sustainer and provider for His creation.

8. God’s Nearness to Those Who Call on Him
The psalm assures believers of God’s presence and responsiveness: "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). The Hebrew word for "near" (קָרוֹב, qarov) indicates God’s accessibility and readiness to help.

9. God’s Protection and Salvation
The psalm concludes with a promise of God’s protection and salvation for those who love Him: "The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy" (Psalm 145:20). This theme underscores the security and deliverance found in a relationship with God.
Answering Tough Questions
1. (Psalm 145:3) How can God’s greatness be “unsearchable” when people claim to comprehend or define it through doctrine or science?

2. (Psalm 145:9) If God is truly “good to all,” why does widespread suffering and evil persist throughout human history?

3. (Psalm 145:14) How does God “uphold all who fall” when many faithful individuals experience devastating misfortune or receive no apparent help?

4. (Psalm 145:16) If God “satisfies the desire of every living thing,” how do we explain rampant hunger, disease, and poverty around the world?

5. (Psalm 145:18) How can one verify that God is “near to all who call on him” given the countless unanswered prayers or spiritual doubts?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How do the attributes of God described in Psalm 145 influence your view of Him?

2. How can you practically implement David's pledge to extol God every day in your own life?

3. What does it mean to you that God's greatness is "unsearchable"?

4. How can you actively pass on the knowledge of God's wondrous acts to the next generation, as suggested in verses 4-7?

5. How have you experienced God's abundant goodness and righteousness in your life?

6. Verses 8-9 describe God as slow to anger and rich in love. How does this impact your understanding of God's character?

7. In the context of the present day, how do you see God's compassionate care extending to all His creations?

8. How do the ideas of God's everlasting kingdom and His enduring dominion resonate with your understanding of world events?

9. How does acknowledging God's support and provision, as highlighted in verses 14-16, affect your approach to personal challenges?

10. Verses 17-20 contrast God's protection of those who love Him with His condemnation of the wicked. How does this influence your understanding of divine justice?

11. How does the closing verse, a call for all to bless God's holy name, inspire your personal worship?

12. How can the practice of daily praise, as modeled by David in this Psalm, bring transformation in your life and relationships?

13. How can the values and attitudes expressed in Psalm 145 guide our responses to current social issues?

14. What lessons can you draw from this Psalm to apply in your interactions with others?

15. How does Psalm 145 deepen your understanding of the relationship between God's majesty and His compassionate care?

16. In what ways does the psalmist's recognition of God's character as both mighty and merciful influence your faith journey?

17. How can the theme of generational faith transmission in Psalm 145 be relevant in today's digital age?

18. What practical steps can you take to uphold those who are falling around you, as God does according to verse 14?

19. How does Psalm 145 inform your understanding of God's role in providing for our daily needs?

20. How can we apply the psalmist's attitude of continual praise to God in the midst of life's challenges and triumphs?



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