Psalms 145:11
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
Original Language Analysis
כְּב֣וֹד
of the glory
H3519
כְּב֣וֹד
of the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
Historical Context
David knew earthly kingship firsthand—its privileges, limitations, and corruptions. His kingdom foreshadowed the Messiah's eternal reign, where power would be exercised perfectly for subjects' good. The psalm's kingdom emphasis prepared Israel to recognize their true King when He appeared.
Questions for Reflection
- How does meditating on God's kingdom counteract anxiety about political instability or national decline?
- In what ways does the church proclaim 'the glory of God's kingdom' to a world rejecting His reign?
- What aspects of God's powerful rule most need emphasis in contemporary Christian testimony?
Analysis & Commentary
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power. The focus shifts from God's attributes to His malkhut (מַלְכוּת) "kingdom/reign"—God's sovereign rule over all creation. Kvod malkhutekha (כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתְךָ) "the glory of your kingdom" emphasizes the majestic splendor of divine governance. Unlike earthly kingdoms marked by corruption and weakness, God's reign manifests perfect justice, wisdom, and power.
Talk of thy power (gĕburatekha yedabberu, גְּבוּרָתְךָ יְדַבֵּרוּ)—gĕburah (גְּבוּרָה) denotes strength, might, heroic power. The repetition ("shall speak...talk") emphasizes continuous proclamation. This kingdom-language anticipates Jesus's central message: "The kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15), ultimately fulfilled when Christ's reign becomes universally manifest (Revelation 11:15).