Psalm 145 Study Notes

145:13 This is an acrostic psalm, but in Hebrew one of the letters is missing, which is supplied by the LXX. It is the second half of v. 13 in the CSB. Its deletion was almost certainly accidental.

145:14 The Hebrew term samak (helps) suggests sustenance and support (146:8).

The root in Aramaic denotes “honor” or “ornament.” Arabic may add the idea of “swelling.” Hadar particularly describes God’s splendor (17x: Ps 104:1), which can be terrifying (Is 2:10). Hadar also indicates the splendor of animals (Dt 33:17), landscape (Is 35:2), people (Is 53:2), and cities (Lm 1:6). Trees are majestic (Lv 23:40). Hadar means honor (Ps 8:5). It is a collective signifying dignitaries (Is 5:14). Hadar is God’s blessing in the sense of what is splendid (Mc 2:9). The verb hadar (7x) means honor (Lv 19:32) or show respect (Lm 5:12), but also show favoritism (Ex 23:3) and give preference (Lv 19:15). The passive participle means splendid (Is 63:1); it describes uneven places that are leveled (Is 45:2). The reflexive verb means boast (Pr 25:6). Hadarah (5x) refers to the splendor of his holiness (Ps 96:9) except for one reference to a king’s splendor (Pr 14:28).

145:15 Jesus’s prayer, “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt 6:11), could be based on this verse.

145:16 Compare this verse with 104:28.

145:17 This verse is similar to v. 13b.

145:18-19 For those who trust him, God is near like a friend and ready to help (cp. 138:6; Is 55:6; Jn 14:14).

145:20 Note the contrast between those who love him and the wicked.

145:21 The Lord’s name represents the revelation of his powerful presence and impeccable character (see note at 20:1).