Psalms 145:21
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This verse reflects the liturgical function of the psalm in corporate worship. The phrase 'let all flesh bless his holy name' suggests congregational participation or at least the hope for universal adoption of this practice. In the Second Temple period, Psalm 145 was incorporated into daily Jewish prayer (Shacharit - the morning service), making it one of the most frequently recited texts in Jewish spirituality. The emphasis on God's 'holy name' relates to the holiness theology emphasized in Leviticus and sustained through Israel's prophetic tradition. The phrase 'all flesh' appears in Isaiah 40:5 ('and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together'), suggesting eschatological fulfillment. In the context of the final psalms (145-150), this verse emphasizes the universality of praise - not limited to Israel but extending to all creation. Early Christians recognized in 'all flesh' bless God the future reality of Romans 14:11 ('every knee shall bow... and every tongue shall confess').
Questions for Reflection
- How does the commitment that 'my mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD' serve as both personal discipline and witness to others?
- Why does the psalm conclude by extending praise from the individual ('my mouth') to all creation ('all flesh')?
- What is the significance of praising God's 'holy name' specifically, rather than merely praising God in general?
- In what ways does the perpetual commitment to praise ('for ever and ever') reflect realistic spirituality versus idealistic sentiment?
- How might this closing vision of universal praise shape our participation in worship today?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse concludes the psalm with a reaffirmation of perpetual praise: 'My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.' The phrase 'my mouth shall speak' commits the entire self to testimony and declaration. 'The praise of the LORD' (tehilat YHWH) literally means the praise that belongs to God, the praises worthy of Him. The shift from singular ('my mouth') to universal ('all flesh') expands the scope from personal commitment to cosmic vision. 'All flesh' includes not just humanity but all living creation, echoing themes from Psalm 150 (the final psalm). 'His holy name' emphasizes God's set-apartness and unique character. The double 'for ever and ever' bookends the psalm, returning to the commitment made in verse 1. By ending with praise, the psalm establishes that worship is not a preliminary to other concerns but the ultimate human purpose. The progression from personal praise to universal benediction reflects the theological trajectory: as individuals commit to God's praise, this naturally invokes all creation into similar worship.