Psalms 105
BSB1 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. 2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. 3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 4 Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. 5 Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, 6 O offspring of His servant Abraham, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones. 7 He is the LORD our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth. 8 He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— 9 the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. 10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: 11 “I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance." 12 When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land, 13 they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. 14 He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: 15 “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!" 16 He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. 17 He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave. 18 They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, 19 until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of peoples set him free. 21 He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, 22 to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom. 23 Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, 25 whose hearts He turned to hate His people, to conspire against His servants. 26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen. 27 They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words. 29 He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die. 30 Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers. 31 He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country. 32 He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land. 33 He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number. 35 They devoured every plant in their land and consumed the produce of their soil. 36 Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. 37 He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them. 39 He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night. 40 They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert. 42 For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham His servant. 43 He brought forth His people with rejoicing, His chosen with shouts of joy. 44 He gave them the lands of the nations, that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor, 45 that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!
Study Notes — Psalms 105
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 105
- Themes from Psalms 105
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 105
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 105:1-15 encourages the people of God to give thanks to the Lord and to call upon His name, making known His deeds among the nations. The psalmist then recounts God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how He remembered them in Egypt, performing great signs and wonders to deliver them. The chapter concludes by noting how God gave them the lands of the nations, and how He rebuked kings for their sake, showing His care and protection over His people, as seen in Psalms 105:23-45.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 105 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is often associated with the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, encouraging them to trust and obey Him in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as seen in the context of Psalms 104 and 106.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 105, we are reminded to give thanks to the Lord and to call upon His name, making known His deeds among the nations. We are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey Him, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 105 is a call to remember and praise God for His works in the history of His people, Israel. The chapter emphasizes the importance of recalling God's covenant faithfulness and the mighty deeds He has done, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 23-45. We are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey Him, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Voices from the Church
“The covenant which God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is a covenant which is still in force, and its blessings are still to be enjoyed by the spiritual seed of Abraham, as seen in Galatians 3:29.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist is urging the people to remember God's great deeds and to proclaim them among the nations, that all may know His power and faithfulness, as noted in Psalms 105:1-2.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: Call to Praise (1-7) — The chapter begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord and to make known His deeds among the nations, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7.
- God's Covenant with Abraham (8-11) — The psalmist recalls God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting its significance in the history of God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
- God's Faithfulness in Egypt (12-24) — The chapter recounts God's faithfulness to His people in Egypt, performing great signs and wonders to deliver them, as seen in Psalms 105:12-24.
- God's Care for His People (25-37) — The psalmist notes how God gave them the lands of the nations and how He rebuked kings for their sake, showing His care and protection over His people, as seen in Psalms 105:25-37.
- Conclusion: Praise and Thanksgiving (38-45) — The chapter concludes with a call to praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing God's faithfulness and commitment to His people, as seen in Psalms 105:38-45.
Core Doctrines
- God's Faithfulness
- Psalms 105 emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrating His commitment to them despite their sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalms 105:8-10 and 23-45.
- Covenant Theology
- The chapter highlights the significance of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing its enduring relevance for God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
- Providence
- The psalmist notes how God gave them the lands of the nations and how He rebuked kings for their sake, demonstrating His providential care over His people, as seen in Psalms 105:25-37.
- Worship and Praise
- The chapter begins and ends with a call to praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of worship in the life of the believer, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 38-45.
Lessons from Psalms 105
- Lesson 1: The Importance of Gratitude — Psalms 105 emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to the Lord and making known His deeds among the nations, as seen in Psalms 105:1-2.
- Lesson 2: God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrating His commitment to them despite their sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalms 105:8-10 and 23-45.
- Lesson 3: The Significance of Covenant — The psalmist notes the significance of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing its enduring relevance for God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
- Lesson 4: Providence and Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's providential care over His people, encouraging trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 105:25-37.
- Lesson 5: Worship and Praise — The chapter begins and ends with a call to praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of worship in the life of the believer, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 38-45.
Themes from Psalms 105
- Theme 1: God's Faithfulness — Psalms 105 emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrating His commitment to them despite their sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalms 105:8-10 and 23-45.
- Theme 2: Covenant Theology — The chapter highlights the significance of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing its enduring relevance for God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
- Theme 3: Providence and Sovereignty — The psalmist notes how God gave them the lands of the nations and how He rebuked kings for their sake, demonstrating His providential care over His people, as seen in Psalms 105:25-37.
- Theme 4: Worship and Praise — The chapter begins and ends with a call to praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of worship in the life of the believer, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 38-45.
- Theme 5: Remembrance and Gratitude — Psalms 105 encourages the people to remember God's great deeds and to give thanks to the Lord, making known His deeds among the nations, as seen in Psalms 105:1-2.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways you can give thanks to the Lord and make known His deeds among the nations, as seen in Psalms 105:1-2?
- How does the psalmist's emphasis on God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10?
- What are some challenges or uncertainties you are facing, and how can you apply the principles of Psalms 105 to trust in God's faithfulness and obey Him, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 23-45?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's providential care over His people encourage you to trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 105:25-37?
- What are some ways you can incorporate worship and praise into your daily life, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 38-45?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: Call to Praise (1-7)
| 105:1 | The chapter begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord and to make known His deeds among the nations, as seen in Psalms 105:1. |
| 105:2 | The psalmist urges the people to sing to the Lord and to make music to His name, as noted in Psalms 105:2. |
| 105:3 | The people are encouraged to boast in His holy name and to rejoice in His presence, as seen in Psalms 105:3. |
| 105:4 | The psalmist calls the people to seek the Lord and His strength, and to seek His face continually, as noted in Psalms 105:4. |
| 105:5 | The people are encouraged to remember the wondrous works that He has done, as seen in Psalms 105:5. |
| 105:6 | The psalmist reminds the people that they are the offspring of Abraham, His servant, and the children of Jacob, His chosen one, as noted in Psalms 105:6. |
| 105:7 | The chapter concludes the introduction with a call to praise and thanksgiving, as seen in Psalms 105:7. |
2. God's Covenant with Abraham (8-11)
| 105:8 | The psalmist recalls God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting its significance in the history of God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8. |
| 105:9 | The covenant is remembered as a promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants, as seen in Psalms 105:9. |
| 105:10 | The psalmist notes that God confirmed the covenant as a law, and to Israel as an everlasting covenant, as noted in Psalms 105:10. |
| 105:11 | The covenant is seen as a promise to give them the land of Canaan, as seen in Psalms 105:11. |
3. God's Faithfulness in Egypt (12-24)
| 105:12 | The chapter recounts God's faithfulness to His people in Egypt, performing great signs and wonders to deliver them, as seen in Psalms 105:12. |
| 105:13 | The psalmist notes how God sent Moses and Aaron to perform His signs and wonders in Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:13. |
| 105:14 | The people are encouraged to remember the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, as seen in Psalms 105:14. |
| 105:15 | The psalmist reminds the people of the parting of the Red Sea, and how God led them through the wilderness, as noted in Psalms 105:15. |
| 105:16 | The chapter recounts how God provided for His people in the wilderness, giving them manna and quail to eat, as seen in Psalms 105:16. |
| 105:17 | The psalmist notes how God sent Joseph to Egypt to prepare for the coming famine, as noted in Psalms 105:17. |
| 105:18 | The people are encouraged to remember the affliction of Joseph, and how God was with him, as seen in Psalms 105:18. |
| 105:19 | The chapter recounts how God gave Joseph wisdom and favor with Pharaoh, as noted in Psalms 105:19. |
| 105:20 | The psalmist notes how God sent Joseph to Egypt to prepare for the coming famine, as seen in Psalms 105:20. |
| 105:21 | The people are encouraged to remember how God gave Joseph authority over Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:21. |
| 105:22 | The chapter recounts how God gave Joseph wisdom and understanding, and how he taught Pharaoh's servants, as seen in Psalms 105:22. |
| 105:23 | The psalmist notes how God sent Jacob to Egypt, and how He gave him the land of Ham, as noted in Psalms 105:23. |
| 105:24 | The chapter concludes the section with a call to remember God's faithfulness to His people in Egypt, as seen in Psalms 105:24. |
4. God's Care for His People (25-37)
| 105:25 | The psalmist notes how God turned the hearts of the Egyptians to hate His people, as seen in Psalms 105:25. |
| 105:26 | The chapter recounts how God sent Moses and Aaron to perform His signs and wonders in Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:26. |
| 105:27 | The people are encouraged to remember the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, as seen in Psalms 105:27. |
| 105:28 | The psalmist notes how God sent darkness over the land, and how He killed the firstborn of Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:28. |
| 105:29 | The chapter recounts how God turned the waters of Egypt to blood, and how He killed their fish, as seen in Psalms 105:29. |
| 105:30 | The people are encouraged to remember the frogs that God sent upon Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:30. |
| 105:31 | The psalmist notes how God sent a swarm of flies upon Egypt, as seen in Psalms 105:31. |
| 105:32 | The chapter recounts how God gave them hail for rain, and how He sent fire to burn up the land, as noted in Psalms 105:32. |
| 105:33 | The people are encouraged to remember how God struck down their vines and fig trees, as seen in Psalms 105:33. |
| 105:34 | The psalmist notes how God sent locusts to devour the land, as noted in Psalms 105:34. |
| 105:35 | The chapter recounts how God ate up all the vegetation of their land, as seen in Psalms 105:35. |
| 105:36 | The people are encouraged to remember how God struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, as noted in Psalms 105:36. |
| 105:37 | The chapter concludes the section with a call to remember God's care for His people, as seen in Psalms 105:37. |
5. Conclusion: Praise and Thanksgiving (38-45)
| 105:38 | The chapter concludes with a call to praise and thanksgiving, as seen in Psalms 105:38. |
| 105:39 | The psalmist notes how God spread a cloud for a covering, and how He made a fire to give them light in the night, as noted in Psalms 105:39. |
| 105:40 | The people are encouraged to remember how God gave them quail to eat, and how He brought them water out of the rock, as seen in Psalms 105:40. |
| 105:41 | The chapter recounts how God opened the rock, and how waters gushed out, as noted in Psalms 105:41. |
| 105:42 | The psalmist notes how God remembered His holy promise, and how He led His people out of the land of Egypt, as seen in Psalms 105:42. |
| 105:43 | The people are encouraged to remember how God rejoiced over His people, and how He sang for them, as noted in Psalms 105:43. |
| 105:44 | The chapter recounts how God gave them the lands of the nations, and how He drove out the nations before them, as seen in Psalms 105:44. |
| 105:45 | The chapter concludes with a call to praise and thanksgiving, as seen in Psalms 105:45. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 105?
The main theme of Psalms 105 is the remembrance of God's great deeds and His faithfulness to His people, as seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 23-45.
What is the significance of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
The covenant is significant because it highlights God's commitment to His people and His faithfulness to them, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
How does Psalms 105 relate to the larger biblical narrative?
Psalms 105 fits into the larger biblical narrative as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, encouraging them to trust and obey Him in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as seen in the context of Psalms 104 and 106.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 105:1 → 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 | The call to give thanks to the Lord and to make known His deeds among the nations is similar to the call in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36. |
| 2 | Psalms 105:8-11 → Genesis 12:1-3 | The covenant with Abraham is first mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3, and is referenced in Psalms 105:8-11. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:12-15 → Exodus 1:1-22 | The account of the Israelites in Egypt is found in Exodus 1:1-22, and is referenced in Psalms 105:12-15. |
| 4 | Psalms 105:16-24 → Exodus 3:1-4:17 | The call of Moses and the plagues in Egypt are found in Exodus 3:1-4:17, and are referenced in Psalms 105:16-24. |
| 5 | Psalms 105:25-37 → Exodus 5:1-12:30 | The account of the plagues in Egypt is found in Exodus 5:1-12:30, and is referenced in Psalms 105:25-37. |
| 6 | Psalms 105:38-45 → Joshua 1:1-9 | The account of the conquest of Canaan is found in Joshua 1:1-9, and is referenced in Psalms 105:38-45. |
| 7 | Psalms 105:1-7 → John 1:1-14 | The theme of giving thanks to the Lord and making known His deeds among the nations is similar to the theme in John 1:1-14. |
| 8 | Psalms 105:8-10 → Hebrews 11:8-19 | The covenant with Abraham is referenced in Hebrews 11:8-19, and is seen as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His people. |
| 9 | Psalms 105:23-45 → Acts 7:1-53 | The account of the Israelites in Egypt and the conquest of Canaan is referenced in Acts 7:1-53. |
| 10 | Psalms 105:1-45 → Revelation 15:1-4 | The theme of giving thanks to the Lord and making known His deeds among the nations is similar to the theme in Revelation 15:1-4. |
Sermons on Psalms 105
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need |
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Redeemed From the Curse of the Law by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us. He recounts his personal journey of understanding h |
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Audio Sermon: Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and finding God with our whole hearts, highlighting the transformative power of truly knowing God. It challenges listeners to not s |
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Our Man in Egypt by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible and draws practical lessons from his life. Joseph was pampered by his father and separated from his brothe |
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Passing Through the Gates of Betrayal by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is in control of everything that happens in our lives. He uses the story of Joseph from the book of |
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Fire in Your Bones (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal struggles and doubts as a preacher. He mentions how people accused him of being a hypocrite and a false prophet, which caused him to |
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(Genesis) - Part 29 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights the events where Joseph tests his brothers by placing his silver |
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A Trained People by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying the two witnesses in the book of Revelation to understand what God wants in his church and what constitutes true |
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Christ in Genesis: Joseph's Throne by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lives of four individuals from the book of Genesis: Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Paul. He emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the sa |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 101-106 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature to regain a sense of awe and reverence for God's creation. The psalmist in Psalm 104 is referenced |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 105
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 105 emphasizes the importance of remembering God's great deeds and His faithfulness to His people. The chapter is seen as a call to praise and thanksgiving, and a reminder of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Henry notes that the psalmist is urging the people to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey Him, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. The commentary highlights the significance of God's providential care over His people, and encourages the reader to trust in His sovereignty. As seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 23-45, the chapter is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and commitment to His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Praise
The chapter begins and ends with a call to praise and thanksgiving, framing the entire psalm with a sense of worship and adoration. This pattern is seen in Psalms 105:1-7 and 45.
Emphasis on Covenant
The psalmist places a strong emphasis on God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting its significance in the history of God's people, as noted in Psalms 105:8-10.
God's Faithfulness
Throughout the chapter, the psalmist stresses God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrating His commitment to them despite their sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalms 105:23-45.