Commentary on Psalms 145:18
Verse: "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
Introduction
The verse in Psalms 145:18 encapsulates a profound truth about God's nearness to humanity, particularly to those who earnestly seek Him. The layouts of the psalms often highlight themes of worship, meditation, and the relationship between God and His people. This commentary compiles insights from notable public domain commentaries to aid pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars in understanding the depth and implications of this verse.
Contextual Background
Psalms 145 is titled as a "Psalm of Praise" and it represents a public song that ascribes worthiness and greatness to God. It forms part of the concluding psalm, which is an acrostic alphabetic poem celebrating the majesty and goodness of God. This Psalm fosters an understanding of God’s character and His continual interaction with His creation.
The LORD is Nigh
Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry emphasizes that God's omnipresence means He is intimately and actively involved with His creation. The word "nigh" suggests proximity, indicating not just physical closeness but relational nearness to those who earnestly pursue Him in prayer and worship.
Albert Barnes' Notes: Barnes adds that this nearness is not simply an abstract theological concept but reflects God's personal engagement with the faithful. He observes that believers can have confidence knowing that God is attentive to their cries and needs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke highlights the condition implied by this proximity—calling upon the Lord "in truth." This indicates a sincere heart and a genuine desire for fellowship with God.
Calling Upon Him
The act of calling upon God is central to understanding this verse. There is an invitation here that reinforces the accessibility of God to all who seek Him.
Sincerity in Prayer: The phrase "call upon him in truth" suggests that genuine prayer must come from a heart aligned with God's will and character.
Faith and Trust: Calling upon God implies an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and power. It reflects an attitude of dependency and reverence.
Universal Availability: The verse notes that this is available to "all them," which serves as a profound encouragement to believers of all backgrounds—God's ears are open to all who pursue Him sincerely.
Divine Assurance and Response
Matthew Henry's View: Henry states that God's readiness to respond is central to this relationship. He is not a distant deity; rather, He is one who delights in the prayers of His people.
Albert Barnes on Divine Response: Barnes emphasizes that God's responsiveness to prayer strengthens the believer's resolve in approaching Him. He notes that believers often experience momentous changes through fervent prayer, which is rooted in their calling upon God.
The Character of Those Who Call
This verse delineates a prominent characteristic of the true worshiper: calling on God “in truth.”
- Integrity: Both Henry and Clarke point out that calling in truth filters out insincerity and pretense. True prayer flows from a heart that is authentic before God.
- Faithfulness: Emphasizing faithfulness in character, true callers upon God demonstrate fidelity to His word and commandments.
- Humility: Clarke remarked on the humility required to call upon an Almighty being, acknowledging personal need and limitation.
Conclusion
Psalms 145:18 serves as a salient reminder of God's assurance to His people. He is actively near to those who sincerely seek Him. This verse not only invites believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence but also challenges them to seek God authentically.
The profundity of this verse lies in its invitation for relational intimacy with God, where prayer and sincerity coalesce. This commentary encourages deep reflection on how believers respond to God's nearness and emphasizes the everlasting promise of His presence to those who call upon Him in truth.
