United Commentaries

Ps.105.1-45

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.

Ps.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.

Ps.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.

Ps.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).

Ps.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).

Ps.105.12-15

The Lord protected Israel’s patriarchs.

Ps.105.15

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

Ps.105.16-22

These verses tell the story of Joseph (see Gen 37–41).

Ps.105.19

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

Ps.105.23-25

These verses tell the story of Israel’s affliction in Egypt (see Exod 1:1-14).

Ps.105.23

Egypt (Hebrew mitsrayim) is called the land of Ham.

Ps.105.26-36

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

Ps.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).

Ps.105.37

not one . . . stumbled: The Lord protected all of his people (cp. 9:3).

Ps.105.39

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

Ps.105.42-45

The story of redemption is also the story of the Lord’s faithfulness.

Ps.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).

Ps.105.45

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