Psalms 145:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 145:14
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Chapter Context
Psalms 145 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, faith, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 145:14
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Analysis
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. God's kingdom (vv. 11-13) manifests in compassionate action toward the vulnerable. Somekh Yahweh lĕkhol-hannoflim (סוֹמֵךְ יְהוָה לְכָל־הַנֹּפְלִים) "Yahweh supports all who fall"—the participle somekh (סוֹמֵךְ) indicates continuous, habitual action. God doesn't merely prevent falls but supports those who have fallen, whether morally, circumstantially, or physically.
Raiseth up all those that be bowed down (vĕzoqef lĕkhol-hakĕfufim, וְזוֹקֵף לְכָל־הַכְּפוּפִים)—kĕfufim (כְּפוּפִים) describes those bent over by burdens, oppression, or grief. Jesus embodied this compassion, healing the woman bent double for eighteen years (Luke 13:11-13). God's upholding grace sustains believers through trials until final glorification.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings often portrayed themselves as protectors of widows, orphans, and the oppressed, but such claims were usually propaganda. David proclaims that God truly fulfills this royal ideal, caring for society's most vulnerable. This established the standard by which Israel's kings would be judged (Psalm 72:12-14).
Reflection
- How can believers extend God's upholding grace to those experiencing moral, spiritual, or circumstantial falls?
- What promises sustain Christians when feeling overwhelmed by burdens that bow them down?
- In what ways should the church institutionally embody God's care for the falling and bowed down?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 42:5, 146:8
- References Lord: Psalms 37:24, 94:18
- Parallel theme: Psalms 38:6, 119:117