September 26, 2024
How often do you remember what God has done?
Psalm 105
Timothy Potter
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 105:5
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
Psalm 105
Tell of All His Wondrous Works
1
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
2
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
3
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
4
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
5
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
6
O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7
He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8
He remembers his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
9
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
10
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11
saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.”
12
When they were few in number,
of little account, and sojourners in it,
13
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
14
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
15
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
do my prophets no harm!”
16
When he summoned a famine on the land
and broke all supply
1
105:16
Hebrew staff
of bread,
17
he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18
His feet were hurt with fetters;
his neck was put in a collar of iron;
19
until what he had said came to pass,
the word of the LORD tested him.
20
The king sent and released him;
the ruler of the peoples set him free;
21
he made him lord of his house
and ruler of all his possessions,
22
to bind
2
105:22
Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome instruct
his princes at his pleasure
and to teach his elders wisdom.
23
Then Israel came to Egypt;
Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
24
And the LORD made his people very fruitful
and made them stronger than their foes.
25
He turned their hearts to hate his people,
to deal craftily with his servants.
26
He sent Moses, his servant,
and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
27
They performed his signs among them
and miracles in the land of Ham.
28
He sent darkness, and made the land dark;
they did not rebel
3
105:28
Septuagint, Syriac omit not
against his words.
29
He turned their waters into blood
and caused their fish to die.
30
Their land swarmed with frogs,
even in the chambers of their kings.
31
He spoke, and there came swarms of flies,
and gnats throughout their country.
32
He gave them hail for rain,
and fiery lightning bolts through their land.
33
He struck down their vines and fig trees,
and shattered the trees of their country.
34
He spoke, and the locusts came,
young locusts without number,
35
which devoured all the vegetation in their land
and ate up the fruit of their ground.
36
He struck down all the firstborn in their land,
the firstfruits of all their strength.
37
Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold,
and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.
38
Egypt was glad when they departed,
for dread of them had fallen upon it.
39
He spread a cloud for a covering,
and fire to give light by night.
40
They asked, and he brought quail,
and gave them bread from heaven in abundance.
41
He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
it flowed through the desert like a river.
42
For he remembered his holy promise,
and Abraham, his servant.
43
So he brought his people out with joy,
his chosen ones with singing.
44
And he gave them the lands of the nations,
and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples' toil,
45
that they might keep his statutes
and observe his laws.
Praise the LORD!
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Celebrate
Psalms 105 and 106 celebrate God’s faithfulness to his people. They recall his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Those who sing the psalms should see themselves as the beneficiaries of all the amazing things God has done in the past.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 105:1 call upon his name. An expression for seeking the Lord in public worship (see Gen. 4:26; 12:8).
Ps. 105:1–6 The congregation is invited to celebrate what the Lord has done. Gratitude comes from remembering the wondrous works that the Lord has done, particularly those on behalf of his people, the offspring of Abraham (see Gen. 15:5, 13, 18; 17:7).
Ps. 105:8 remembers his covenant forever. For this expression, see 111:5; Ex. 2:24; Lev. 26:42; Jer. 14:21. For God remembering, see note on Ps. 25:6–7. a thousand generations. See Ex. 34:7 and Deut. 7:9; see note on Ps. 100:5.
Ps. 105:10 Everlasting covenant refers to the promise that Israel will possess the land and remain as God’s people (see Gen. 17:7, 19).
Ps. 105:7–11 The next section describes in general what the Lord has done. He has displayed his judgments . . . in all the earth, and he “remembers his covenant forever.” The rest of the psalm will give specific examples to support this claim.
Ps. 105:12–15 God watches over his people. The first specific example of this comes from Genesis 20, when Abraham stayed in Gerar. When the king of Gerar took Sarah to be his wife, it would seem to have put at risk God’s promise to give Abraham a son from Sarah. But God protected the promise.
Ps. 105:15 anointed ones. God specially selected Abraham and his offspring to be his people.
Ps. 105:16–17 famine. See Gen. 41:57; 42:5. The psalm sees Joseph’s troubles with the eye of faith, saying that God had sent Joseph (see Gen. 45:5). Joseph was sold into slavery and rose to power in Egypt as an expression of God’s faithful care for his people during the famine.
Ps. 105:36 the firstborn. The tenth and climactic plague (Ex. 12:29–30). See also Ps. 78:51. For the “firstborn” as the firstfruits of all their strength, see Gen. 49:3 and Deut. 21:17.
Ps. 105:24–38 The next section recounts events from the book of Exodus, focusing on how God used Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, as he had promised (see Gen. 15:13–16).
Psalm Ps. 105. Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, like Psalms 78 and 106. It is a celebration of God’s faithful dealings with his people. It particularly remembers episodes from the Pentateuch in which the people interacted with powerful foreigners who might have harmed them: Abimelech (Genesis 20), Potiphar (Genesis 39–41), and Pharaoh (Exodus 7–14). The tone of Psalm 105 is one of gratitude (vv. 1–6). Each member of the singing congregation should recognize that he has benefited from all these great deeds that God has done. Each one should embrace his calling to live as a member of God’s holy people (vv. 43–45). Verses 28–36 recount eight of the 10 plagues sent upon the Egyptians, leaving out the fifth and sixth (Ex. 9:1–12). The psalm mentions the ninth plague first (Ps. 105:28), and has the third and fourth in reverse order (v. 31). The psalm focuses on events in the Exodus story that display God’s faithfulness.
Ps. 105:42–45 The final section rushes ahead from the events of Exodus to the time of Joshua, recalling that God remembered his holy promise to establish his people in the land.
S3:190 Psalm 105
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 105
Praise God! As we see in this psalm, we worship a faithful, miracle-working God who is worthy of all praise and exaltation. After the initial praise and call to action, there is a large list starting in Psalm 105:7 of just what God has done for His people to inspire these feelings and gratitude. God surely does deliver! All the way from God's covenant with Abraham, to Israel's joyous return to the Promised Land, there is a continuous story of miracles, protection, provision, and faithfully kept promises.
But God did not stop with the faithful promises He fulfilled to Israel over the generations. He kept working and ultimately fulfilled all His promises by sending His only Son Jesus Christ to die on our behalf and conquer sin and death through His death, burial, and resurrection. So here and now we have a confession of hope of new life found in Jesus Christ as promised to us by a faithful, loving God (Hebrews 10:23).
Such amazing news throughout history and today! So, what do we do with that? To start, we let this news penetrate our hearts and remember it every day, as it says in psalm 105:5. Coming from that posture, the psalmist lays it out for us early to make known His deeds among the peoples (Psalm 105:1b) and to tell of all His wondrous works (Psalm 105:2b).
Long before Jesus gave us His great commission in Matthew 28:19-20, there had been this calling to reach the nations—to tell the world about the one true God. And now we get to share that news of salvation and new life that can be found through faith in Jesus Christ!
Throughout the historical account of Psalm 105, God is in the business of sending His people to accomplish His works, like Joseph and Moses. God is also in the business of seeking and saving the lost. Think about what God has done for you already. Ask God how He would have you respond to those gifts and how He would have you feel a burden for your friends, neighbors, and the lost around you.
This month's memory verse
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
– Galatians 5:25
Discussion Questions
1. Psalm 105 lists some of the most memorable stories and miracles of the Old Testament. What are other stories from the Bible that produce awe in you and stir your affections for the Lord? What is it about those stories that causes you to remember them?
2. Think back and remember when God has worked in your life and shown His presence. What was it? If you struggle to find an answer, try asking this question to someone close to you. (Isaiah 25:1)
3. We have a long list of ways that God has worked throughout history, including in our lives and in the lives of those around us. What opportunity will you seek out this week to tell someone of the wondrous works God has done? Are there some people you can encourage by reminding them of how you have seen God work in their life? (Romans 10:14-15; Hebrews 10:24-25)
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