Psalms 145:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 145:19
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Chapter Context
Psalms 145 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, mercy, truth. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 145:19
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Analysis
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. God's responsive care for the reverent—rĕtson-yĕre'av ya'aseh (רְצוֹן־יְרֵאָיו יַעֲשֶׂה) "the desire of those who fear Him He will do." Yirah (יִרְאָה) "fear" means reverent awe, not servile terror—loving respect that shapes behavior. God fulfills desires aligned with His will, not sinful cravings (Psalm 37:4, 1 John 5:14-15).
He also will hear their cry, and will save them (ve'et-shav'atam yishma' vĕyoshi'em, וְאֶת־שַׁוְעָתָם יִשְׁמַע וְיוֹשִׁיעֵם)—the sequence hearing→saving demonstrates divine compassion. Yasha (יָשַׁע) "save" encompasses both deliverance from danger and ultimate redemption, anticipating Jesus (Yeshua, "Yahweh saves") who saves His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Historical Context
God's hearing the cry of the oppressed distinguished Him from pagan deities supposedly indifferent to human suffering. He heard Israel's cry in Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:24-25, 3:7-9), establishing the pattern of divine responsiveness to those who fear Him. This promise sustained believers through exile and persecution.
Reflection
- How does genuine fear of God shape the desires believers bring to Him in prayer?
- What is the relationship between God hearing prayer and God saving those who cry to Him?
- How can this promise provide assurance without guaranteeing immunity from trials or suffering?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 20:4, 34:9, 34:17, 37:4, 91:15, Matthew 5:6