Psalms 106:2
Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
Psalms 106:2
This verse asks a rhetorical question: “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?” It nudges readers to humility before the vastness of God’s deeds. In context, the psalm narrates God’s acts of salvation and the people’s failures to respond rightly. The question underscores that even the most extensive praise and witness fall short of fully capturing God’s greatness. Ancient Israel’s temple-centered worship emphasized singing and recounting acts of salvation; yet the psalmist recognizes human limitations in fully expressing God’s glory. The verse functions as a reminder that worship is both an act of memory and a posture of dependence—humility before God who has accomplished more than we can recount.
Theological themes include the insufficiency of human praise to exhaust God’s deeds, the infinite nature of God’s mighty acts, and the cosmic scope of salvation history. The verse helps orient worship away from sensationalism toward faithful remembrance and fidelity. It also invites believers to participate in the ongoing story of God’s redemptive acts through testimony, prayer, and community life, even if we cannot enumerate all that God has done. Theologically, it emphasizes God’s centrality in worship and the need for a faithful, Spirit-led life that continually witnesses to God’s greatness.
Practically, this verse challenges us to cultivate a sustainable practice of praise that doesn’t rely on dramatic events alone. Keep a living testimony: collect brief stories of God’s provision in daily life and share them in small groups or family settings. Recognize that effective worship often comes through consistent obedience, compassion, and integrity, not just public praise. When feeling unable to “speak all his praise,” rely on community—prayer teams, song, and scripture—to carry the burden of worship. Embrace humility: real praise acknowledges God’s vastness and our finitude, fostering gratitude and dependence rather than self-promotion. Use social media or gatherings to highlight God’s acts in ordinary life—work, health, relationships, and mercy shown to others.
Cross-References: Psalm 40:5; Psalm 69:30-31; Isaiah 53:11; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Revelation 5:12-13