Psalms 105

Ps 105 This hymn praises the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants in all their journeys—from Ur to Canaan (105:12), to Egypt (105:17, 23), through the wilderness (105:37, 41), and back to Canaan (105:44). All of this fulfilled the Lord’s promise to Abraham (105:9, 42), which was the basis for Israel’s very existence. Joseph, whose suffering was changed into glory, is a paradigm of encouragement for Israel (105:16-25). • Psalm 105:1-15 (along with 96; 106:1, 47-48) is included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chr 16.105:1-5 The poet begins with the exhortation Give thanks (see also 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1). The other psalms continue with the refrain “for he is good!” The rest of Ps 105 tells of God’s goodness.

105:6-11 The story of Israel is based on the Lord’s commitment to Abraham. Even when a question arises about the future of God’s covenant with David (Ps 89), God’s covenant with Abraham stands, as does the spiritual bond between God and Israel, Abraham’s descendants.

105:8 The covenant is the Lord’s irrevocable oath to be the Father of Abraham and his descendants (see Gen 12:1-9; 15:1-21).

105:11 God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants as their special possession, where they could live as God’s people (105:44-45; Gen 12:7; 15:7-21).

105:12-15 The Lord protected Israel’s patriarchs.

105:15 Abraham was one of the nation’s prophets (Gen 20:7).

105:16-22 These verses tell the story of Joseph (see Gen 37–41).

105:19 tested Joseph’s character: See Gen 39:6-12.

105:23-25 These verses tell the story of Israel’s affliction in Egypt (see Exod 1:1-14).105:23 Egypt (Hebrew mitsrayim) is called the land of Ham.

105:26-36 The psalmist recounts the story of Moses and the plagues in Egypt (Exod 7:20–12:30).

105:37-45 The Exodus and the conquest of Canaan fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (105:9-10). Unlike Ps 78, the poet recites the Lord’s goodness without commenting on Israel’s history of rebellion (cp. Ps 106).105:37 not one . . . stumbled: The Lord protected all of his people (cp. 9:3).

105:39 The Lord’s presence was as evident to all as a fire in the darkness (Exod 13:22).

105:42-45 The story of redemption is also the story of the Lord’s faithfulness.

105:44 Canaan was a land of pagan nations (see 111:6). The psalmist might also be reflecting on God’s promise to Abraham (Gen 24:60) regarding the lands given to Isaac (Gen 26:3).

105:45 The Lord planned for Israel to testify about him by obeying him; Israel was to be his model people.