Psalm 105:1-15

105:1 [note three aspects of true worship…] [1] O give thanks unto the LORD [in Heb. the personal name of Israel’s God]; [2] call [cf. Ps. 79:6; Rom. 10:13] upon his name: [3] make known [those who have experienced what the Lord has done should not/must not remain silent; cf. Ps. 66:16] his deeds [cf. Ps. 9:1; 103:7] among the people [peoples; those who do not know; cf. Ps. 18:49].

Note: Over 2000 people groups are still waiting to hear the message of what God has done through Christ to provide salvation.

105:2 Sing [those listening would hear about what God had done] unto him, sing psalms [“praise” (NIV); means to speak of someone’s excellence] unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works [either cosmic deeds or historical actions that were beyond human capabilities].

Note: Do you talk to others about what God has done and is doing in your life?

105:3 Glory [an imperative summons for Israel to praise God] ye in his holy name [God’s name reflected who God is (His attributes and activity)]: let the heart [the center of human will or volition in Heb. thought] of them rejoice [cf. Ps. 40:16] that seek the LORD.

105:4 [1] Seek the LORD, and [2] his strength [only true and utterly reliable source of protection]: [3] seek his face [His presence; sadly, some only seek the provision that comes from His hand] evermore [continually; not just in times of crisis].

105:5 Remember [more than an intellectual exercise; includes acting upon that which is remembered; forgetfulness is an indication of ingratitude] his marvellous works [same Heb. word translated “wonderful acts” in 16:9; word denotes what human beings cannot do; cf. Ps. 40:5] that he hath done; his wonders [special displays of God’s power], and the judgments [judicial decisions] of his mouth;

Note: How can remembering the wonders God has done in the past encourage you in the present?

105:6 O ye seed of Abraham [1 Chron. 16:13 uses “Israel” instead of “Abraham”] his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

105:7 He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all [defines the scope of His jurisdiction] the earth.

105:8 He hath remembered his covenant [a legal contract; here probably refers to covenant established at Mt. Sinai] for ever, the word [the word of promise; cf. Ps. 105:9-10] which he commanded [ordained] to a thousand generations [perpetually or forever; cf. Deut. 7:9 (Ex. 20:6)].

105:9 Which covenant he made with Abraham [cf. Gen. 12:1-7], and his oath [a binding promise; was often associated with covenant making] unto Isaac [Abraham’s son];

105:10 [promise made to Abraham was passed from generation to generation to the time of David] And confirmed the same unto Jacob [cf. Gen. 28:13] for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

105:11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

105:12 When they were but a few men in number [cf. Jacob’s words in Gen. 34:30]; yea, very few, and strangers [sojourners] in it [the land of their future inheritance; cf. Heb. 11:9].

105:13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people [from one dangerous location to another (Egypt, wilderness, Canaan];

105:14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings [Pharaoh of Egypt (Gen. 12:17) and Abimelech of Gerar (Gen. 20:3)] for their sakes;

105:15 Saying, Touch not [cf. Gen. 26:11] mine anointed [those set apart by God; here used as a reference to the patriarchs], and do my prophets [here used as a reference to the patriarchs, called prophets in sense of being recipients of God’s special revelation] no harm.