Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Within Psalm 145's praise of God as King, this verse extends His goodness and compassion to the whole of His creation.
What Does Psalm 145:9 Mean?
This verse declares the breadth of God's goodness: He is good to all, and His tender mercies reach over everything He has made. The word "all" is striking and expansive. God's goodness is not narrowly reserved but extends widely, and His compassionate care covers "all his works" -- the whole of creation that came from His hand.
This follows the previous verse's description of God as gracious and compassionate, now showing how far that character reaches. God's mercy is not only for a chosen few but spills out over all He has made, the way a parent's tenderness surrounds every child. The phrase "tender mercies" conveys the warmth of a deep, womb-like compassion. Creation itself rests within the scope of God's caring oversight. This sweeping vision lifts the reader's eyes: the same God who is gracious in personal dealings governs all things with goodness and mercy. It assures us that we live in a world upheld by a good God, whose kindness is woven through the whole fabric of His creation. Nothing He has made lies outside the reach of His tender care.
In the Original Language
"Tender mercies" translates the Hebrew rachamim, deep compassion rooted in the word for womb, conveying tender, parental love.
Cross References
“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.”
- Psalm 145:8
“He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
- Matthew 5:45
“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
- Psalm 100:5
Application
Live confidently as one cared for by a good God whose tender mercy reaches over all He has made, including you.