Psalm 145:7

They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness and sing joyfully of Your righteousness.

Study Bible

They will extol
The Hebrew root for "extol" is "שָׁבַח" (shabach), which means to praise or commend. This word conveys a sense of enthusiastic and public declaration of God's greatness. In the context of ancient Israel, extolling God was not just a private act of devotion but a communal activity, often accompanied by music and song. The act of extolling is a response to God's mighty works and character, reflecting a heart full of gratitude and reverence.

the fame
The term "fame" in Hebrew is "זֵכֶר" (zeker), which can also be translated as "remembrance" or "memorial." This word suggests that the deeds of the Lord are not only to be praised but also remembered and recounted through generations. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, maintaining the memory of significant events and figures was crucial for preserving identity and faith. The fame of God is tied to His mighty acts and His covenant faithfulness, which are to be celebrated and passed down.

of Your abundant goodness
The phrase "abundant goodness" comes from the Hebrew "טוּב" (tov), meaning goodness, and "רַב" (rav), meaning abundant or great. This highlights the overflowing nature of God's benevolence and kindness. In the biblical narrative, God's goodness is a central theme, manifesting in creation, providence, and redemption. The abundance of God's goodness is a source of hope and assurance for believers, reminding them of His generous and unwavering love.

and joyfully sing
The Hebrew word for "joyfully sing" is "רָנַן" (ranan), which implies a ringing cry or shout of joy. This expression of joy is not subdued but exuberant, reflecting the deep-seated joy that comes from experiencing God's goodness. Singing was an integral part of worship in ancient Israel, often accompanied by instruments and dance. It was a way to express the inexpressible, to communicate the joy and gratitude that words alone could not convey.

of Your righteousness
The word "righteousness" in Hebrew is "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which encompasses justice, rightness, and faithfulness. God's righteousness is a foundational attribute, reflecting His moral perfection and His commitment to justice and truth. In the biblical context, God's righteousness is not only about His character but also about His actions in the world, particularly in delivering and vindicating His people. The righteousness of God is a cause for joy because it assures believers of His just and faithful rule.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 145, King David, is known for his deep relationship with God and his ability to express his faith through psalms and songs. This psalm is a hymn of praise, celebrating God's attributes and works.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, often recounted God's goodness and righteousness through their history, as seen in their worship and traditions.

3. God's Abundant Goodness
This refers to the manifold blessings and mercies that God bestows upon His creation, which are celebrated in this psalm.

4. God's Righteousness
This highlights God's moral perfection and justice, which are reasons for praise and joy among His people.

5. Worship
The act of extolling and singing joyfully is central to the worship practices of the Israelites, reflecting their response to God's character.

Teaching Points

Extolling God's Goodness
Recognize and proclaim God's abundant goodness in your life. Reflect on specific instances where you have experienced His blessings and share these testimonies with others.

Joyful Worship
Engage in worship that is characterized by joy and gratitude. Let your praise be a natural response to God's righteousness and goodness.

Understanding Righteousness
Study and meditate on God's righteousness. Seek to understand how His moral perfection impacts your life and how you can reflect His righteousness in your actions.

Community Praise
Encourage communal worship and praise. Join with others in celebrating God's attributes, fostering a spirit of unity and shared joy in His presence.

Daily Remembrance
Make it a daily practice to remember and recount God's goodness and righteousness. This can be through prayer, journaling, or sharing with family and friends.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you personally extol the fame of God's abundant goodness in your daily life?

2. In what ways does understanding God's righteousness influence your relationship with Him and others?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's goodness. How did you respond, and how can you share that experience with others?

4. How does communal worship enhance your understanding and appreciation of God's attributes as described in Psalm 145:7?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that joy and gratitude are central to your worship practices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's character as merciful, gracious, and abounding in goodness, which aligns with the themes of God's abundant goodness in Psalm 145:7.

Psalm 100:4-5
This psalm encourages entering God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness, similar to the expressions in Psalm 145:7.

Philippians 4:4
Paul exhorts believers to rejoice in the Lord always, which echoes the joyful singing of God's righteousness found in Psalm 145:7.