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1 Refine Women's Ministry Psalm 145: an Alphabet of Praise What A Refine Women’s Ministry Psalm 145: An Alphabet of Praise April 28, 2021 by Kim Peelen “The world, during a time of adversity, speaks of “providence” with a total lack of understanding. They dethrone God, who is the living, guiding Sovereign of the universe, to some inanimate, dead abstraction. What they call “providence” they see as occurrences of fate, reducing God from His position as our acting, powerful, and personal Jehovah” (Streams in the Desert, p. 166). What a profound truth this is! By NOT ascribing to God His rightful supreme place as Creator and Sustainer of all things and events, one is guilty of dethroning Him, belittling Him, even denying Him. Even the most dedicated follower of Jesus Christ can become susceptible to such neglectful or even erroneous thinking. But thankfully, God provides an amazing remedy to keep our fickle human hearts and minds from slipping into this complacent, disrespectful attitude. The Psalms. It is the prayer book of God’s people to instruct and model holy worship as we strive to be faithful to the commands of Scripture while maintaining hope for the future Messianic Kingdom. The 150 prayers guide the faithful believer through life’s variety of struggles and triumphs while steadfastly proclaiming that God sovereignly controls the universe – even evil and injustice - and is the only one worthy of devotion and praise. No matter how deep the trouble or joyous the celebration, The Psalms have a song to share. A quick overview of our semester: * Psalm 1 and 2 introduce the two main themes of the Book of Psalms: Two Paths/Two People – the Blessed and the Wicked; and the Invincible Kingdom of God’s Messiah. *Psalm 90 and 91 – the oldest psalms penned by Moses – describes God as the dwelling place for His people, offering protection, provision, and salvation in Him alone. *Psalm 20 describes King David’s preparation for battle by humbling asking the Lord to help his army defeat the enemies of the Sovereign Lord God. A Battle Hymn. * Psalm 40 David declares once again his helplessness against his sin and enemies, and returns to his only hope - the LORD, his help and his deliverer. * Psalm 33 is an anonymous praise hymn, giving glory to the Sovereign Lord of history and creation. * Psalm 139 is David’s beautiful poem in which he adores God for His amazing attributes, His wisdom, and HIs greatness. * Psalm 34 is a personal song of thanksgiving and trust as David faces relentless pursuit by Saul. This acrostic poem declares God as his true anchor and hope. * Psalms 120-134 - The Songs of Ascent –songs for traveling to Jerusalem for 3 annual festivals, encouraging them on the journey so they can begin the celebration in Zion. * Psalm 77, of Asaph, expresses deep doubts during prolonged suffering, but eventually turns to the only source of hope - faith in God and His Sovereign care. * Psalm 46, of Korah, is a psalm of holy confidence that declares God as our refuge and strength. He alone is Who we need and all we need. 1 Today we conclude our study with Psalm 145 that Alec Motyer eloquently describes: As an alphabet of praise, or an ‘alphabetic acrostic’, the successive verses take in turn the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The letter nun is absent. Most would say that it has been lost in transmission and must be supplied from available sources (see NIV, ESV). It is equally possible to substantiate from the Psalms that there was a distinct literary form which we may call ‘the broken acrostic’, in which, for whatever reason, the poet felt that completeness could not or should not be attempted. One can well imagine David in Psalm 145 concluding that the praises of God are illimitable, running beyond human scope to itemize. If ever a psalm can be called an ‘outpouring’ it is Psalm 145, a river in spate of the attributes of Yahweh. It is best read like that (p. 412). Psalm 145 is in the fifth book that corresponds to Deuteronomy (the Second Law) and proclaims to the exiled believer that God hears His people and that the Messianic King will judge and defeat evil and establish His Kingdom forever. Its songs primarily praise God (rather than lament the evil in the world) while the followers of Yahweh faithfully look forward to God re-establishing His Kingdom on earth - returning to the Garden of Eden where mankind dwells in perfect fellowship with God. “Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song,” Charles H. Spurgeon rightly declares. The Book of Psalms provides an exquisite model for the believer to adore, magnify, and pursue the glory of God by offering perpetual praise to His glorious Name. Psalm 145 summons every believer to practice unending praise to the Sovereign Lord God and is the last song of David’s. “As the author of half the psalter, as the “sweet singer of Israel”, as a talented musician, and most significantly as a “man after God’s own heart”, David becomes in essence the worship leader of the entire Bible. He becomes our prayer coach as he models a high view of God through his beautiful communication skills. The heading of Psalm 145 reads, “of praise” or “a psalm of praise,” the only psalm with such a designation. While the entire Book of Psalms is praise, this psalm most especially, is the clearest praise of all. David saved his best for last. As you examine this precious prayer, keep in mind that praising and practicing the greatness of God should be the primary passion of God’s people all day, every day” (Lawson, p. 357). Group Discussion: The letter nun after v. 13 is omitted. Hebrew letter is in parenthesis (Alec Motyer); I underlined the word corresponding to that Hebrew letter. Psalm 145 Of Praise, of David. 1 I will extol You, my God, O King, (Aleph) And I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless You, (Beth) And I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, (Gimel) And His greatness is unsearchable. Q. 1 What does David promise God in v. 1 and 2? 2 Q. 2 Based on v. 3, how can David’s commitment to every day bless God be possible – will he run out of reasons to praise the LORD? 4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, (Daleth) And shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty (He) And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. 6 Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, (Waw) And I will tell of Your greatness. 7 They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness (Zayin) And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. Q. 3 In these verses, what does David emphasize about God (look for repeating words or phrases)? Q. 4 Share an example of God’s abundant goodness in your life – one that you can pass onto the next generation. 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful; (Cheth) Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. 9 The LORD is good to all, (Teth) And His mercies are over all His works. 10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, (Yodh) And Your godly ones shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom (Kaph) And talk of Your power; 12 To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts (Lamedh) And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, (Mem) And Your dominion [endures] throughout all generations. Q. 5 In verses 8 and 9, what quality of the LORD governs all His works? Q. 6 In verse 10 - 12, what is the purpose of God’s mighty acts? What is my role in this? 3 14 The LORD sustains all who fall (Samech) And raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to You, (Ayin) And You give them their food in due time. 16 You open Your hand (Pe) And satisfy the desire of every living thing. Q 7 Discuss how the Lord cares for those who hope in him [eyes of all who look to You}. 17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways (Tsadhe) And kind in all His deeds. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, (Ooph) To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; (Resh) He will also hear their cry and will save them. 20 The LORD keeps all who love Him, (Shin) But all the wicked He will destroy. Q 8 David continues to offer reasons to praise the Lord – what can the person who calls upon Him in truth expect from the Lord? 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, (Tau) And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever. Q 9 David completes his song by repeating his opening phrase, I will bless Your name forever and ever, but then ends with what declaration? Q 10 Discuss how the local church can apply David’s call for all flesh to bless His holy name forever and ever. How can individual believers do this? SUMMARY: Before reviewing Psalm 145, we will rewatch The BibleProject: Overview of Psalms as a summary of our study. 4 Psalm 145:1-3: David opens (and closes v. 21) his prayer with the fixed commitment to bless Your name forever and ever.
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