Ps. 145: An alphabetic acrostic (see Pss. 9–10), with the “nun” (between vv. 13 and 14) omitted (it is supplied, most likely secondarily, in the LXX, the Peshitta, and the Qumran Psalter). The psalm focuses on praise for the kingship of God. This psalm is recited in the three daily prayer services (cf. b. Ber. 4b). The alternation between speaking to God and speaking about Him in the third person is typical of many psalms.
1–2: Eternal blessing of the divine name recurs in v. 21.
3: See 147.5. God is not merely king, but an incomparable king.
4: God is known through His acts, and proclaiming them is a form of praise.
5: See 77.13; 105.2; 119.27.
8: The creed of Exod. 34.6 (Ps. 86.5).
10: The things that God has created will offer praise to Him (cf. v. 21 and Ps. 148) since he treats them beneficently; or, by their very existence they serve as praise of Him.
11: Cf. 19.2 where the heavens speak of God’s glory.
12: These are all royal qualities.
13: Royal dynasties may be long-lived, and subjects may wish their kings long lives, but God
as king is truly eternal.
14–16: As the ideal king, God sustains the oppressed and starving (104.27–28; 146.7–8).
17: This v. leaves no doubts about God’s absolute justice and His hẹsed.
18–19: True prayer is efficacious.
20: Who love Him, who are loyal to Him; cf. v. 10.
Many psalms end with the destruction of the wicked (cf. 1; 146.9).
21: An inclusio (praise, bless, forever and ever) extends the praise of the first-person speaker (vv. 1–2) with that of all creatures, all human beings.