1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He [is] the LORD our God: his judgments [are] in all the earth.
8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.
9 Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, [and] to Israel [for] an everlasting covenant:
11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
12 When they were [but] a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.
13 When they went from one nation to another, from [one] kingdom to another people;
14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;
15 [Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
17 He sent a man before them, [even] Joseph, [who] was sold for a servant:
18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
20 The king sent and loosed him; [even] the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
23 Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
24 And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.
26 He sent Moses his servant; [and] Aaron whom he had chosen.
27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.
28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.
29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.
30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.
31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, [and] lice in all their coasts.
32 He gave them hail for rain, [and] flaming fire in their land.
33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.
34 He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,
35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and [there was] not one feeble [person] among their tribes.
38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
40 [The people] asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places [like] a river.
42 For he remembered his holy promise, [and] Abraham his servant.
43 And he brought forth his people with joy, [and] his chosen with gladness:
44 And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;
45 That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.
Overview of Psalm 105
Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that recounts the faithfulness of God to His people, Israel. It emphasizes God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and highlights key events in Israel’s history that demonstrate His providence and protection. The psalm serves as a reminder of God’s enduring promises and the importance of remembering His deeds.
Structure and Themes
The chapter can be divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of God’s relationship with Israel:
- Call to Praise (Verses 1-6)
This section begins with an exhortation to give thanks, sing praises, and seek the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s wonders and His judgments.
- God’s Covenant with Abraham (Verses 7-11)
Here, the psalmist recalls God’s covenant with Abraham, highlighting His promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants.
- God’s Faithfulness in Egypt (Verses 12-23)
This passage recounts the story of Joseph and how God used him to preserve Israel during a time of famine. It illustrates God’s providential care and the fulfillment of His promises.
- Exodus and Wilderness (Verses 24-38)
The psalm describes the Israelites’ time in Egypt, their deliverance through Moses, and God’s guidance during their wilderness journey.
- God’s Provision and Miracles (Verses 39-45)
This concluding section highlights God’s miraculous provision for His people, including the giving of manna and quail, and the fulfillment of His promises as they entered the Promised Land.
Detailed Analysis
Call to Praise (Verses 1-6)
The psalm opens with a strong call to worship, encouraging the faithful to:
- Give thanks to the Lord.
- Make known His deeds among the peoples.
- Sing praises and seek His strength.
This introduction sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the importance of remembering God’s past actions and sharing them with others.
God’s Covenant with Abraham (Verses 7-11)
In this section, the psalmist reflects on God’s covenant with Abraham, which serves as the foundation for Israel’s identity. Key points include:
- God’s sovereignty as the Lord of all.
- The promise of land and descendants to Abraham.
- The establishment of a lasting covenant with Isaac and Jacob.
This reinforces the idea that God’s promises are not only historical but also relevant for future generations.
God’s Faithfulness in Egypt (Verses 12-23)
The narrative shifts to the story of Joseph, illustrating God’s providence through adversity. Important themes include:
- Joseph’s rise to power despite being sold into slavery.
- The fulfillment of God’s plan through Joseph’s leadership during famine.
- The migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt, highlighting God’s provision.
This section serves to remind the reader of God’s ability to turn difficult circumstances into opportunities for His glory.
Exodus and Wilderness (Verses 24-38)
This part recounts the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and their eventual liberation. Key elements include:
- The increase of the Israelites in Egypt, leading to fear among the Egyptians.
- The calling of Moses as a leader for the Exodus.
- God’s miraculous signs and wonders that led to their release.
The emphasis is on God’s faithfulness in delivering His people and guiding them through the wilderness, showcasing His protective nature.
God’s Provision and Miracles (Verses 39-45)
The psalm concludes with a celebration of God’s provision during the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. Highlights include:
- God’s presence among His people, symbolized by the cloud and fire.
- The miraculous provision of food and water.
- The fulfillment of God’s promises as they settled in Canaan.
This final section serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care, encouraging the faithful to trust in His ongoing provision.
Conclusion
Psalm 105 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout history. It encourages believers to remember His deeds, celebrate His promises, and trust in His providence. The psalm serves as both a historical account and a call to worship, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s hand in the lives of His people.
