General Interpretation

This verse from Psalms emphasizes the importance of recalling God’s goodness and the righteousness that He epitomizes. The psalmist highlights the act of expressing gratitude and joy, urging the community to remember and proclaim God's marvelous deeds and moral character.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry points out that the psalmist is calling for a communal acknowledgment of God's goodness. He notes that both verbal expressions and internal reflections upon God’s attributes can lead to increased praise and worship. This serves as a reminder that our testimony of God's goodness can inspire others to praise Him as well.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the idea of "abundantly uttering" which signifies not just a verbal expression but a heartfelt declaration of gratitude to God. He emphasizes that one's life should reflect the goodness of God, and thus, a true believer will express their joy in his righteousness, showcasing a life transformed by divine goodness.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets the phrase 'the memory of thy great goodness' as a significant part of worship. He posits that remembering God's past actions reinforces faith and provides believers with strength during challenging times. This memory ought to lead to a proclamation or song of righteousness, reflecting both God’s character and His acts.

Bible Cross-References

This verse can be cross-referenced with several other scriptures that explore similar themes of God’s goodness and righteousness. Here are 10 related verses:

• Psalm 136:1: "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." – Highlights God’s everlasting goodness and mercy.
• Psalm 100:5: "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." – Reiterates the steadfastness of God’s goodness.
• Psalm 119:68: "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." – A personal appeal rooted in recognizing divine goodness.
• Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." – Encourages believers to focus on virtuous attributes, akin to God’s righteousness.
• Isaiah 63:7: "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us." – Emphasizes the act of recalling God’s goodness.
• 2 Corinthians 1:20: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." – Highlights the reliability of God’s promises, aligning with His goodness.
• Psalm 145:17: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." – Clearly illustrates the righteousness of God that is mentioned in Psalms 145:7.
• Romans 2:4: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" – Discusses the purpose of God’s goodness.
• Psalm 34:8: "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." – A call to experience and acknowledge God’s goodness.
• Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." – Aligns with the theme of proclaiming and remembering God's truth, which in turn reinforces faith.

Thematic Connections

The themes in Psalms 145:7 connect with broader biblical narratives and doctrines regarding:

• Divine Goodness: Recurrent motifs in both the Old and New Testaments that testify to God’s everlasting mercy and goodness towards His creation.
• Worship and Praise: The call for believers to express their gratitude as a community echoes throughout the scriptures, linking various psalms and letters of Paul.
• Righteousness of God: A consistent characteristic of God that shapes the lives of His followers, demanding their response in praise and righteous living.

Conclusion

Psalms 145:7 serves as a profound reminder to acknowledge and proclaim the great goodness and righteousness of God. It emphasizes the significance of communal worship and personal reflection, urging believers to share their experiences of God's goodness with others. This verse, along with its cross-references, builds a strong framework for understanding divine attributes that are interwoven throughout Scripture.