Psalm Chapter 105
Psalms 105 and 106 can be paired together as they are both historic psalms with the common theme of God’s faithfulness to His covenant. These two psalms conclude Book 4 of Psalms, which is a collection of Psalms relevant to the reflections of the Israelites while they are in exile, although not all the Psalms in this book are written necessarily during the exile (Psalm 105 is quoted in 1 Chronicles 16 when the ark was brought into the city of David, so it was written long before the exile).
Through Psalms 105 and 106, the Israelites in exile remember how God has been faithful to them in time past, as they cry out to Him to save from exile and gather them back from the nations (Ps 106:47).
Introduction: Worship the LORD!
Like the other psalms from Psalm 103 to Psalm 106, the main content of this psalm is framed by a call to worship God (v.1-6, 45). Verses 1 to 5 lists a few actions that we ought to do as we are His chosen ones, the spiritual descendants of Abraham (v.6). These actions include giving thanks to God, making known His deeds (i.e. evangelism), rejoicing, seeking the Lord and His strength, and remembering His marvelous works.
More often than not, however, as we toil our way through life and are bogged down by various burdens, we fail to actively do these things mentioned from verses 1 to 5. Do we actively make known His deeds among our friends and family members? Do we constantly remember His salvation grace and seek His face? Exhausted from the cares of this world, we might wonder, do we really need to worship God as such? The rest of Psalm 105 tells us why we should.
1. Descendants and Land (His covenantal faithfulness)
The body of this Psalm recounts God’s faithfulness to His people in time past. Our eternal God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham which He is faithful to and remembers forever (v.8-11). Two aspects of this covenant to Abraham were descendants (Gen 17:2, 6) and land (v.11, Gen 17:8). In Psalm 105, we see both promises fulfilled.
Descendants: From sojourners to a strong and numerous people (v.12-25)
This section begins by emphasising how few in number His people were (v.12). They were but sojourners, without any land. However, we can really see how God protected and guided them. In particular, verses 14 and 15 mention how God “permitted no one to do them wrong… rebuking kings for their sakes, saying ‘Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.'” To others, we may be small and weak. The world may despise us. However, as God’s chosen people, He will protect and strengthen us! In fact, this section ends off by mentioning how God increased His people greatly and made them strong while they were in Egypt, so strong to the point where they were hated by the Egyptians.
Land: From slaves in Egypt to a nation in the Promised Land (v.26-44)
The people grew numerous in Egypt and God’s promise to Abraham was being fulfilled. However, they were still slaves in a foreign land and had no land of their own. Verses 26 to 44 describes the Exodus and begins by mentioning eight of the ten plagues. Egypt had enslaved His people and Pharaoh was reluctant to let them go. The Israelites suffered greatly in Egypt, but God heard their groanings and remembered His covenant (Ex 6:2-8). Even the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart was unable to stop God from carrying out His will and delivering His chosen ones out of Egypt. He then continued to provide for them in the wilderness – giving them a cloud by day and a fire by night, as well as food and water to sustain them (v.39-41).
Our God is so almighty that His plan will always come to pass. Proverbs 21:1 tells us that even the hearts of kings, people in great power, are in His hands. How comforting is it to know that such an Almighty God loves us and cares for us! Time and time again, He has faithfully taken care of us, and we know He will continue to provide for our needs.
Finally, verses 42 to 44 echos and answers verses 8 to 11. From being an unknown people very few in number, sojourners without any land, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, making His chosen ones a strong and numerous people and giving them the lands of the Gentiles (v.44).
2. Deliverance in our trials
Throughout this journey from sojourners to becoming a nation, God’s people faced many ups and downs. Verse 17 to 19 tells us how Joseph was sold to Egypt as a slave and suffered as a prisoner, as a test from God. Yet, we know in hindsight that later allowed His people to be saved from famine and allowed them to find favour in Pharoah’s sight.
In another example, verse 25 mentions that God was the one who made the Egyptians hate the Israelites! However, we see God’s greater will for the Israelites. It was time for them to be delivered out of Egypt to inherit the Promised Land. Despite the oppression and resistance of the Egyptians, God delivered His people and blessed them with riches (v.37). Even the Egyptians were glad when they departed as the Egyptians feared them (v.38)!
When we look at this entire Psalm, we see the bigger picture of God’s faithfulness to His people and His constant deliverance. Yes, there were trials along the way but they pale in comparison to His protection and providence. In our lives, we will face sufferings and trials too. However, as tough as our situation may be, it is comforting to remember that our pain and suffering are not without an end! When we look back at our lives, we will see how He has constantly fed us, comforted us, and delivered us no matter what situation we are in. He will not give us more than what we can bear as He knows our frame, that we are but dust (Ps 103:14). He knows all of our days even before we were born (Ps 139:16) and His way for us is perfect! Let us learn to see His greater will for us in our trials and patiently await His deliverance.
3. A people keeping His laws
Interestingly, after mentioning how God fulfilled His promise and brought the Israelites to the Promised Land, verse 45 gives the reason for His faithfulness – that He might have a people who observe His statutes and keep His laws! Deuteronomy 4:6-9 tells us that it was a blessing for Israel to be God’s people and have His laws. With the statutes and laws of God, Israel was to be a light to the other nations (c.f. Rom 2:17-19). They represented God’s rule and kingdom on earth.
Do we realise how great a blessing it is to have the laws of God? God has kept His end of the covenant. Now, we ought to do our part and take heed to diligently keep His laws. By walking righteously in His laws, we become a light to others around us and bring others to Him. God called and saved us that we might be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, to bring His light to others and glorify Him (Mt 5:13-16). God has been so faithful to us. Are we faithful to His laws and shine forth His glory?
Final reflections
As those in exile recite this Psalm, they are reminded of His faithfulness to His promise. Just like how God brought them out of Egypt, God will bring them back from the nations. God is faithful to His people and will keep His everlasting covenant. Exile is not without an end.
As we read this Psalm today, let us be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with us. In the Old Testament, circumcision was the sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham. Today, through baptism, we become spiritual descendants of Abraham and have become heirs according to the promise (Col 2:11-13, Gal 3:26-29). We too are part of this covenant with God!
Remembering that God is faithful to His covenant and will one day receive us back to our heavenly home can bring our weary souls great comfort. No matter what we are going through in life, we can cling on to this hope of eternal rest. Though we face trials, we know we will one day be able to look back and see His greater will for us, and see how He has directed our footsteps time and time again. However, on our part, let us keep His laws and lead a righteous life pleasing in His sight. What else can we do to repay this great grace that we have received? How can we worship such a faithful and loving God?
Let us read verses 1 to 6 again.
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!”
– Psalms 105:1-6