Psalm 145 Study Notes
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145:1-21 This is an acrostic psalm. Each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and it has marked similarities with Ps 111. The Masoretic Text has no line beginning with the Hebrew letter nun.
145:1-2 The introduction places this psalm with other poems that herald Yahweh as King (Pss 47; 93; 96-99).
145:3 Compare this verse with 96:4. God’s superiority goes beyond comprehension (cp. 139:6; Is 40:28).
145:4 One generation . . . to the next is literally “generation to generation.” The construction resembles “day after day” and “night after night” in 19:2. Both passages emphasize continuous praise of the Lord.
145:5 The Hebrew word siyach (speak) could be translated “meditate” (77:3,6,12).
145:6 Note the alternation between they and I.
145:7 They will give a testimony is literally “they will pour out a memory.”
145:8 The language of this verse exemplifies God’s covenant love toward his people (103:4; 111:4; Ex 34:6-7).
145:9 God’s benevolence extends to all his creatures (Mt 5:45). Often called “common grace,” the concept is contrasted with God’s particular grace, extended only to his chosen people, believers (Ps 145:18-20; Mt 24:31; Rm 11:5; 2Th 2:13).
145:10-12 All people will recognize God’s sovereignty and dominion.
145:13 This is an acrostic psalm, but in Hebrew one of the letters is missing, which is supplied by the LXX. It is the second half of v. 13 in the CSB. Its deletion was almost certainly accidental.
145:14 The Hebrew term samak (helps) suggests sustenance and support (146:8).
hadar
| Hebrew pronunciation | [hah DAHR] |
| CSB translation | splendor, honor |
| Uses in Psalms | 13 |
| Uses in the OT | 30 |
| Focus passage | Psalm 145:5,12 |
The root in Aramaic denotes “honor” or “ornament.” Arabic may add the idea of “swelling.” Hadar particularly describes God’s splendor (17x: Ps 104:1), which can be terrifying (Is 2:10). Hadar also indicates the splendor of animals (Dt 33:17), landscape (Is 35:2), people (Is 53:2), and cities (Lm 1:6). Trees are majestic (Lv 23:40). Hadar means honor (Ps 8:5). It is a collective signifying dignitaries (Is 5:14). Hadar is God’s blessing in the sense of what is splendid (Mc 2:9). The verb hadar (7x) means honor (Lv 19:32) or show respect (Lm 5:12), but also show favoritism (Ex 23:3) and give preference (Lv 19:15). The passive participle means splendid (Is 63:1); it describes uneven places that are leveled (Is 45:2). The reflexive verb means boast (Pr 25:6). Hadarah (5x) refers to the splendor of his holiness (Ps 96:9) except for one reference to a king’s splendor (Pr 14:28).
145:15 Jesus’s prayer, “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt 6:11), could be based on this verse.
145:16 Compare this verse with 104:28.
145:17 This verse is similar to v. 13b.
145:18-19 For those who trust him, God is near like a friend and ready to help (cp. 138:6; Is 55:6; Jn 14:14).
145:20 Note the contrast between those who love him and the wicked.
145:21 The Lord’s name represents the revelation of his powerful presence and impeccable character (see note at 20:1).