Psalms 145:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 145:6
6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
Chapter Context
Psalms 145 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, judgment, creation. 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 145:6
6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
Analysis
And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. The corporate testimony—ve-ezuz nora'oteka (וֶעֱזוּז נוֹרְאֹתֶיךָ) "the strength of your awesome deeds"—will be proclaimed by others. Nora (נוֹרָא) "terrible/awesome" conveys fear-inspiring power: God's acts command reverence, not casual familiarity. This includes both redemptive works (Red Sea crossing) and judicial acts (drowning Pharaoh's army).
I will declare thy greatness (gĕdullateka asapĕrennah, גְּדֻלָּתְךָ אֲסַפְּרֶנָּה)—David adds personal commitment to the collective witness. Gĕdullah (גְּדֻלָּה) "greatness/magnitude" describes God's incomparable supremacy. The interplay between corporate ("men shall speak") and individual ("I will declare") shows that both community testimony and personal witness are necessary to adequately proclaim God's majesty.
Historical Context
Israel's history centered on God's 'terrible acts'—plagues on Egypt, the drowning of Pharaoh's army, victories over Canaan's inhabitants, and judgment on covenant-breakers. These acts inspired both reverence among believers and fear among enemies, demonstrating that God is not to be trifled with.
Reflection
- How can believers maintain appropriate fear of God's terrible power while also enjoying intimate relationship with Him?
- What role should recounting God's judicial acts play in contemporary worship alongside celebrating His mercy?
- How does your personal declaration of God's greatness complement the church's corporate testimony?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 22:27, 22:31, 66:3, 113:3, Ezra 1:2, Jeremiah 50:28