(Psalm 145) Behold Your God
(Psalm 145 from the New King James Version) First impressions are often lasting impressions. We've all seen some spectacular scenes which have remained etched on our minds. Perhaps it was the first view of the Grand Canyon or of the Northern Lights. We are awestruck at the beauty and majesty of nature. We don't even fully understand what we see, but we can appreciate it nevertheless.
In this opening study we'll get a scenic overview of God, if you will. Hopefully it will make a lasting impression on us. This Psalm provides us with a broad-brush picture of God in which many of His characteristics are described. This is an appropriate starting point, for it will help us appreciate his awesome majesty.
PSALM 145:1-7 How would you summarize the psalmist's attitude toward God in these verses?
Why does the writer conclude that God is great?
What "mighty acts" in Israel's history do you think the psalmist may be referring to here? What was the responsibility of the faithful Israelites and future generations in light of these acts (verses 4-7)?
According to verses 5-6, what is the response of the psalmist to the recitation of all that God has done?
Why do you think it is not enough to only appreciate God's works in private?
PSALM 145:8-13a What are the characteristics of God mentioned in this passage? Define them in your own words.
Verse 10 states that all creation will praise God. What different things can we learn about God through the various parts of creation? (For instance, what might a star tell us about God that would be different from what a flower might reveal?)
What will result when the saints speak of God's kingdom?
PSALM 145:13b-21 God is committed to following through on his promises. Can you list some of these?
What are God's attitude and actions toward the needy? What types of needs are acknowledged?
AN INWARD LOOK How has this psalm expanded your view of who God is?
What mighty works or fulfilled promises has He accomplished in your life for which you can praise Him?
AN OUTWARD LOOK Since this Psalm urges the faithful follower of God to tell of what He has done, how can you follow through on speaking of God's majesty and wonderful works? To whom will you speak concerning these things?
LEADER'S NOTES
Question 2. This is a psalm of praise written by David, and in Hebrew it is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Notice the different titles the psalmist uses to address God: God, a general term for deity; King, highlighting the majesty and reign of God; the Lord, also known as "Yahweh," the name God revealed to the Israelites which depicted his intense personal covenant and commitment he was making to the people of the nation. In this psalm this covenant name of the Lord is most often used.
Question 4. David would be recalling many of the great events of Israel's history in order to praise God. The Exodus from Egypt would certainly lead the list, along with God's sustaining power in their wilderness travels and his defeat of their enemies as they entered Canaan. These were awesome displays of God's power and care.
Question 7. Encourage the group the think about the universe as a whole, as well as little details of creation, and what they tell us about God. The sheer vastness of the universe shouts of the greatness of God. Or we might think of the order of the laws of nature that reveal God as an orderly and intentional designer. A star might reveal that God is power and light; a flower reveals One who loves beauty, etc.
PRIMARY APPLICATION
Prayer occupies us with our needs, thanksgiving with our blessings, worship with God Himself. To praise is to speak well of--to tell out the excellent qualities of a person. The person is more precious than his gifts. Blessings are forgotten in the joy of the Blesser's presence. "Worship is the overflow of love." Note the title "Jehovah" nine times (3 x 3), seven times in relation to His attributes and acts. Seven times David declares his purpose of praise; ten times (number of universality) that the righteous shall praise. In the concluding section note the repetition of "all" eleven times. Other remarkable features characteristic of this psalm. The worship of the saints is for all time (2a) and all eternity (2b). Recipients of divine grace should be messengers of that grace (11-13). Ponder the phrase "the splendor of the glory" in relation to Jehovah's majesty (5) and Jehovah's kingdom (12). Jehovah saves and satisfies (14 ff.). Goodness without righteousness would display weakness (17). The hypocrite is always out of favor with God (18b). In our attitude to God, revererence 9godly fear) and love go together. The former keeps our love from degenerating into presumptuous familiarity; love prevents reverence from becoming mere servile dread (19). Jehovah manifests Himself not only in "mighty acts" of deliverance for His people (4), but in "terrible acts" of judgment against His adversaries (6).
VERSE NOTES
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