Psalms 145:9
The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Original Language Analysis
טוֹב
is good
H2896
טוֹב
is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַכֹּ֑ל
H3605
לַכֹּ֑ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְ֝רַחֲמָ֗יו
to all and his tender mercies
H7356
וְ֝רַחֲמָ֗יו
to all and his tender mercies
Strong's:
H7356
Word #:
4 of 7
compassion (in the plural)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Psalms 100:5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.Matthew 5:45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Acts 17:25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;Jonah 4:11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?Psalms 104:27These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
Historical Context
This verse's universalism challenged Israel's tendency toward exclusive nationalism. While God chose Israel for special covenant relationship, He never ceased being the Creator and Sustainer of all peoples. Prophets like Jonah learned this lesson painfully when resisting God's compassion toward Nineveh.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's goodness to all creation shape believers' environmental stewardship and care for animals?
- What is the relationship between God's universal common grace and His particular saving grace toward the elect?
- How can recognizing God's tender mercies toward all His works combat both human arrogance and ecological exploitation?
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. The covenant name Yahweh (יְהוָה) emphasizes God's personal, relational nature. Tov Yahweh lakkol (טוֹב־יְהוָה לַכֹּל) "Yahweh is good to all"—universal divine benevolence transcending Israel alone. God's rachamav (רַחֲמָיו) "tender mercies" derives from rechem (רֶחֶם) "womb," suggesting mother-like compassion, nurturing care, deep emotional attachment.
Over all his works (al-kol-ma'asav, עַל־כָּל־מַעֲשָׂיו)—God's compassion extends to all creation, not humans alone. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies (Matthew 6:26-30). The verse establishes God's common grace as foundation for His special, saving grace toward His elect.