Psalm 145:21

My mouth will declare the praise of the LORD; let every creature bless His holy name forever and ever.

Study Bible

My mouth
The phrase "My mouth" signifies personal testimony and proclamation. In the Hebrew text, the word for "mouth" is "peh," which often represents the instrument of speech and communication. This highlights the importance of using one's voice to declare God's praises. Historically, the mouth is seen as a powerful tool for both blessing and cursing, as noted in James 3:9-10. In the context of Psalm 145, it emphasizes the psalmist's personal commitment to vocalize God's greatness.

will declare
The Hebrew root for "declare" is "dabar," which means to speak, proclaim, or announce. This verb conveys a sense of intentionality and purpose. The act of declaring is not passive but an active engagement in sharing the truth of God's character and works. In the biblical context, declaring God's praises is a form of worship and witness, inviting others to recognize and respond to His majesty.

the praise
"Praise" in Hebrew is "tehillah," which refers to a song or hymn of praise. It is derived from the root "halal," meaning to boast or celebrate. This word underscores the celebratory nature of worship, where the focus is on exalting God's attributes and deeds. Praise is central to the life of faith, as it aligns the believer's heart with God's glory and goodness.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is the English representation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. By using this name, the psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and intimate involvement in the lives of His followers.

And let every creature
The phrase "every creature" expands the scope of praise beyond the individual to include all of creation. In Hebrew, "creature" is "basar," often translated as "flesh," indicating all living beings. This universal call to worship reflects the biblical theme that all creation is designed to glorify God, as seen in passages like Psalm 19:1 and Romans 8:19-22.

bless His holy name
To "bless" in Hebrew is "barak," which means to kneel or to give adoration. This act of blessing is a response to God's holiness, acknowledging His set-apartness and purity. The "holy name" refers to God's unique and revered identity. In biblical tradition, names carry deep significance, representing character and authority. Thus, blessing God's holy name is an act of reverence and submission to His divine nature.

forever and ever
The phrase "forever and ever" emphasizes the eternal nature of God's praise. In Hebrew, "olam" signifies perpetuity, an unending duration. This reflects the belief that God's worthiness of praise transcends time and will continue into eternity. It serves as a reminder of the everlasting covenant between God and His people, and the eternal hope found in His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 145, King David, is known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a leader of Israel. His psalms often express profound worship and adoration for God.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.

3. Every Creature
This phrase encompasses all of creation, highlighting the universal call to worship and praise God.

Teaching Points

The Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful expression of our faith and relationship with God. It aligns our hearts with His will and acknowledges His sovereignty.

Universal Worship
The call for every creature to bless God's name reminds us of the inclusivity of God's kingdom. Worship is not limited to a specific group but is a universal response to God's majesty.

Eternal Perspective
The phrase "forever and ever" encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that our worship is part of an everlasting relationship with God.

Personal Declaration
Like David, we are called to personally declare God's praise. This involves a conscious decision to use our words and actions to honor Him daily.

Holiness of God's Name
Recognizing the holiness of God's name should inspire reverence and awe in our worship, influencing how we live and interact with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "declare" (naba) enhance our comprehension of what it means to praise God with our mouths?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of declaring God's praise into your daily routine?

3. How does the call for "every creature" to bless God's name challenge your perspective on who is included in worship?

4. Reflect on a time when praising God shifted your focus from a temporary problem to an eternal perspective. How can this practice be applied in your current circumstances?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 5:13, reinforce the message of Psalm 145:21 about the universality and eternity of worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 150
This psalm also emphasizes the importance of praising God, calling on everything that has breath to praise the LORD, similar to the universal call in Psalm 145:21.

Philippians 2:10-11
These verses speak of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, which parallels the call for every creature to bless God's name.

Revelation 5:13
This passage describes every creature in heaven and on earth praising God, echoing the sentiment of universal worship found in Psalm 145:21.