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Psalms 145:1 meaning

This verse underscores David’s unwavering devotion to praising God as the true King.

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. (v.1) These words, written by David around 1000 BC, reveal a heart fully devoted to honoring God as the ultimate sovereign. David lived during the establishment of Israel’s golden age, serving as king from approximately 1010 to 970 BC. From that position of earthly power, he humbly addresses the LORD as his true King, showing that even the greatest earthly ruler bows before the supremacy of God. This recognition of God as “my God, O King” affirms David’s personal relationship with the LORD and his willingness to worship the One he knows holds ultimate authority.

By declaring, “I will extol You” (v.1), David expresses his intent to lift God’s reputation and make His greatness known. Extolling God includes verbal praise, purposeful adoration, and the portrayal of God’s character for others to see. This commitment to exalt the LORD stands in line with many testimonies of praise throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament where Jesus, identified as the promised King descended from David’s line, is likewise praised and exalted. Thus, David’s expression of worship looks forward to the broader biblical story in which God’s plan is fully unveiled in Christ.

When David continues, “And I will bless Your name forever and ever,” (v.1) he commits to a lifelong and eternal attitude of gratitude and reverence toward the name of the LORD. To bless God’s name is to bring honor to His reputation, acknowledging that He is worthy of infinite praise. David’s declaration transcends temporal circumstances, reminding believers of the timeless privilege of worship. As the psalmist sets out to continually offer his praise, he invites others to join in that everlasting chorus of adoration.

Psalms 145:1