Overview

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that recounts God’s covenant faithfulness and mighty acts on behalf of Israel, particularly His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel. The psalmist calls the people of Israel to remember God’s wonderful works, recounting His faithfulness from the covenant promises to Abraham to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. The chapter emphasizes God’s providence, faithfulness, and the importance of remembering His deeds as a way to increase trust and worship. In this psalm, God’s sovereignty over creation and history is on full display, highlighting His active role in guiding, preserving, and delivering His people throughout their history. The psalmist also underscores the importance of obedience and worship in response to God’s great acts.

Theologically, this chapter emphasizes the enduring and unbreakable nature of God’s covenant promises. It encourages a reflection on the goodness and power of God, not only in ancient history but in the present life of believers. The psalm challenges us to respond to God’s covenant faithfulness with gratitude, worship, and trust.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 105 is part of a group of psalms that focus on God’s faithfulness in the history of Israel, particularly His covenant promises to Abraham and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It is considered a psalm of remembrance, similar to Psalm 78 and Psalm 106, where the acts of God are recounted to teach the next generation about God’s faithfulness. Psalm 105 is classified as a “historical psalm,” recounting the key events in Israel’s history, especially the covenant promises made to the patriarchs and their fulfillment in the exodus from Egypt.

In the context of Israel’s worship, this psalm was likely sung during communal worship, reminding the people of their shared history with God and His faithfulness to the covenant promises. It was a way to pass on the foundational truths of Israel’s identity and relationship with God from one generation to the next. The psalm emphasizes God’s enduring faithfulness despite Israel’s failures and unfaithfulness, reminding the people of the need to remain faithful to God.

The literary form of Psalm 105 involves direct recounting of history, using a narrative style that stresses the importance of remembering God’s mighty acts and reflecting on them in worship.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The sovereignty of God is a central theme in Psalm 105. The psalm highlights God’s control over the entire course of history, showing that nothing happens outside of His will and that His plans for His people will always come to pass. From His covenant with Abraham to the deliverance from Egypt, the psalm underscores that God is both sovereign and faithful to His promises.

Another important theological theme is the concept of God’s covenant faithfulness. God made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He was committed to keeping, and He fulfilled those promises through the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the provision of the land of Canaan. This reflects the unchanging and eternal nature of God’s covenant love, a love that is grounded in His own character and not dependent on the faithfulness of His people.

The theme of remembrance is also prominent in this psalm. God’s people are called to remember His deeds and recount them to future generations. This serves as an important doctrinal point: the history of God’s salvation is meant to be remembered and passed down, not only as a historical fact but also as a foundation for trust, worship, and obedience.

Lastly, Psalm 105 emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate provider. Throughout the psalm, God’s provision for His people is detailed, from the promise of land to the deliverance from famine and oppression. This speaks to the idea that God is not only sovereign but also intimately involved in the lives of His people, providing for their needs both physically and spiritually.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verses 1-6: A Call to Worship

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.” (Psalm 105:1-6)

• Explanation: These opening verses are a call to worship, urging the people to give thanks, seek God’s presence, and remember His mighty deeds. It establishes the foundational theme of the psalm: the need for God’s people to remember and proclaim His faithfulness.
• Cross-reference: This theme of worship and remembrance is echoed in Psalm 96:1-2, where Israel is called to declare God’s glory among the nations. Also, Deuteronomy 6:5-12 calls the Israelites to love the Lord and keep His deeds in their hearts, teaching them to their children.
• Doctrinal insight: God’s people are not to keep His greatness to themselves. Worship involves public proclamation, whether through music, testimony, or teaching. It emphasizes the universal nature of God’s works.
• Application: The believer is called to actively engage in worship, both privately and publicly, and to remember and proclaim God’s works, not only to fellow believers but to the world.

Verses 7-15: God’s Covenant with Israel

“He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.’ When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: ‘Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.'” (Psalm 105:7-15)

• Explanation: These verses recount God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The covenant was made to Abraham and confirmed to Isaac and Jacob, which ultimately became the promise of the land of Canaan to Israel. God protected His people during their wandering, ensuring they were not oppressed.
• Cross-reference: This covenant is outlined in Genesis 17:1-8, where God promises Abraham that He will give him the land of Canaan. 1 Chronicles 16:15-18 affirms the eternal nature of this covenant.
• Doctrinal insight: God’s covenant promises are eternal. Despite Israel’s small size and wandering, God’s promise remained secure. His protection of His anointed ones emphasizes His sovereign care.
• Application: God’s faithfulness to His promises should give believers confidence today. Even in times of wandering or hardship, God’s promises stand firm, and He is faithful to His covenant people.

Verses 16-22: Joseph’s Role in God’s Plan

“Then he called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a servant. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.” (Psalm 105:16-22, NIV)

• Explanation: These verses describe the providential role Joseph played in God’s plan for Israel. God sent Joseph to Egypt, where he was sold into slavery and faced great suffering, but ultimately became a ruler, used by God to save Israel from famine.
• Cross-reference: The story of Joseph is found in Genesis 37-50, particularly Genesis 41:46-49 where Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and prepares Egypt for famine. The suffering of Joseph is seen as a part of God’s larger redemptive plan (see Genesis 50:20).
• Doctrinal insight: God’s sovereignty is evident in Joseph’s life, where what appeared to be hardship was used by God to fulfill His promises. This shows how God’s providence works even in difficult circumstances.
• Application: Even in seasons of suffering or hardship, believers can trust that God has a purpose. Joseph’s story illustrates that God can use our pain for a greater good, even if we don’t understand it immediately.

Verses 23-25: The Exodus and God’s Provision

“Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob resided as a foreigner in the land of Ham. The Lord made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.” (Psalm 105:23-25)

• Explanation: These verses refer to the Israelites’ time in Egypt, where God made them prosperous, despite the animosity of the Egyptians. God caused the Pharaoh to hate His people, setting the stage for their eventual deliverance.
• Cross-reference: The experience of Israel in Egypt is further detailed in Exodus 1:8-14, where the Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites out of fear of their growing numbers. Genesis 47:27 also notes Israel’s prosperity in Egypt.
• Doctrinal insight: God’s providence allowed the Israelites to prosper even in a land of oppression, setting the stage for their eventual liberation. God used the oppression of Israel for His sovereign purposes.
• Application: Even in environments of hostility or difficulty, God can use situations to refine and prepare His people for future deliverance and blessings. Trust in God’s sovereignty is essential, especially when faced with opposition.

Verses 26-45: Deliverance from Egypt

“He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness and made the land dark— for had they not rebelled against his words? He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. Their land swarmed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers that ravaged all the crops in their fields. He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood.” (Psalm 105:26-36)

• Explanation: This section recounts the plagues that God sent upon Egypt through Moses and Aaron, culminating in the death of Egypt’s firstborn. These acts of judgment were signs of God’s power and were a precursor to the deliverance of His people from slavery.
• Cross-reference: The plagues are detailed in Exodus 7-12, particularly Exodus 12:29-30, which describes the final plague—the death of the firstborn.
• Doctrinal insight: The plagues show God’s direct intervention in history to fulfill His promises. God used judgment to bring about redemption for Israel, demonstrating His authority over creation and His ability to execute judgment on the wicked.
• Application: In times of judgment, God’s purposes are always at work, even when we do not fully understand the circumstances. His judgment serves to bring about His redemptive plans for His people.

Verses 37-45: The Lord’s Faithfulness in Deliverance

“He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered. Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.” (Psalm 105:37-41, NIV)

• Explanation: These verses describe God’s continued faithfulness to Israel during the exodus and their journey in the wilderness. Despite their unfaithfulness, God provided for their needs, from food and water to protection by day and night.
• Cross-reference: The Exodus is recounted in Exodus 12:35-38, and God’s provision of quail and manna is found in Exodus 16:13-15. The provision of water from the rock is recorded in Exodus 17:1-7.
• Doctrinal insight: God’s provision is not dependent on Israel’s faithfulness, but rather on His covenant promises. This demonstrates God’s grace and generosity toward His people.
• Application: God provides for His people, often in ways that exceed our expectations. Even when we face difficult situations, we can trust that God will meet our needs according to His promises.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 105 highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, which are fulfilled through Jesus Christ. The psalm recalls God’s mighty acts in history, particularly His covenant with Abraham and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. These acts of God foreshadow the ultimate act of salvation in Jesus Christ. The deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt points forward to the deliverance Jesus offers through His death and resurrection. Just as God acted to rescue Israel and protect them from harm, Jesus came to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin and death. In the same way, God’s providential care and miraculous intervention on behalf of Israel serve as a shadow of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of all people.

The psalm also speaks of the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises, which directly connects to the redemptive story of Jesus. Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, is the seed through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16). The salvation brought through Jesus is the culmination of God’s covenant promises, demonstrating that God is true to His word. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of God’s faithfulness, and His work fulfills all the promises made in the Old Testament, including those reflected in Psalm 105.

Connection to the Father

In Psalm 105, we see God as the covenant-keeping Father who remembers His promises and acts in history to fulfill them. From the calling of Abraham to the exodus of Israel from Egypt, God is revealed as the faithful Father who sustains His people and leads them to the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This character of God as a Father who loves, leads, and delivers is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who taught His disciples to pray to God as their Father (Matthew 6:9). The Father’s desire to redeem and restore His people is clearly seen throughout Scripture, and it reaches its ultimate expression in the sending of Jesus to save humanity.

The Father’s commitment to His covenant in Psalm 105 underscores the deep relational nature of God’s love. His faithfulness is not distant or abstract but active and engaged with His people. Jesus’ relationship with the Father, as revealed in the Gospels, reflects the same love and care. Just as God was with Israel in their wanderings and delivered them from oppression, the Father sent Jesus to walk with humanity, deliver them from sin, and bring them into eternal relationship with Him.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Psalm 105 speaks of God’s faithful presence, particularly in the guidance and protection of His people. This connects to the role of the Holy Spirit, who is sent to guide, empower, and comfort believers today. In the same way that God’s presence was with Israel through the wilderness in the form of the cloud and fire, the Holy Spirit now leads believers in their journey of faith. The Spirit continues the work of Jesus by convicting, guiding, and comforting the church in its mission.

The Holy Spirit also brings to remembrance God’s acts of salvation, much like Psalm 105 calls Israel to remember God’s mighty deeds. The Spirit enables believers to understand and apply God’s Word, which leads to deeper fellowship with the Father and the Son. As the Spirit illuminated the Scriptures for Jesus’ disciples, He does the same for believers today, helping them recognize and apply the truths about God’s character and His redemptive work. The Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God’s will, to testify to His goodness, and to share the message of salvation with others.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 105 demonstrates the deep love God has for His people. It recounts His faithfulness, His protection, His provision, and His steadfast commitment to His covenant promises. Even when Israel was faithless, God remained true to His word, providing for them and ensuring their survival. This love is most fully realized in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, God’s love is revealed not just as a covenantal promise but as an active, sacrificial love that brings salvation to the world.

Through Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people is realized, and the love that God has shown Israel is extended to all nations. God’s love is redemptive, and it is demonstrated in His actions to restore and redeem His people from the consequences of sin. This love was manifested in the life and sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of humanity to fellowship with God. The love revealed in Psalm 105, shown in God’s faithfulness to His promises, is now available to all who place their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.

God’s love is not just for Israel; it is universal and eternal. The love of the Father, seen in His covenant with Israel, is now poured out for all humanity through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit continues to testify to this love, guiding believers into a deeper understanding of God’s heart and empowering them to live in accordance with His will. As believers, we are called to reflect this love, first by recognizing God’s faithfulness and grace in our own lives and then by sharing this love with others through the gospel.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Faithful Covenant-Keeper: God’s Mighty Deeds in Psalm 105”

Introduction:

• Begin with an illustration of a promise made and kept, such as a parent’s promise to always be there for their child, or a leader’s commitment to protect and guide their followers.
• Introduce Psalm 105 as a song that calls the people of Israel to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness in keeping His covenant.
• Highlight the central theme: God’s steadfast faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, which is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

Main Points:

I. Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 105:1-7)

• Exposition: In the opening verses, the psalmist calls the people to give thanks and remember the deeds of the Lord. The call is to proclaim His greatness and to meditate on His works.
• Application: Christians today are called to remember God’s faithfulness in their lives. The act of remembering serves as a reminder of God’s active presence in our past, which fuels our trust in Him for the future.
• Example: Share a personal story or testimony of a time when God’s faithfulness was evident in your life, providing strength and hope during difficult moments.
• Transition: Just as Israel was reminded of God’s faithfulness, we too must look back on God’s acts to strengthen our faith.

II. God’s Covenant Faithfulness (Psalm 105:8-15)

• Exposition: The psalmist recounts God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing that God is true to His promises. God’s protection over Israel is a direct result of His covenant, which He keeps despite the people’s unfaithfulness.
• Application: The covenant God made with Israel points to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Believers are now heirs of this covenant, and God’s faithfulness extends to them as well.
• Example: Illustrate the concept of covenant faithfulness with a modern analogy, such as a long-lasting marriage that survives trials because of the commitment and covenant made.
• Transition: The covenant God made with Israel finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

III. God’s Providential Care and Deliverance (Psalm 105:16-22)

• Exposition: God not only made promises but also intervened in history to provide for His people. The psalmist recalls how God used Joseph to save Israel, ensuring their survival during a time of famine.
• Application: God’s providence continues today, providing for His people in times of need. This can also be seen in the way God delivers believers from sin through Jesus Christ.
• Example: Share an example of how God’s provision was evident in a difficult time—whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually.
• Transition: As God cared for Israel in the past, He continues to guide and sustain us in our faith journey today.

IV. God’s Power and Justice (Psalm 105:23-45)

• Exposition: The psalm recounts God’s mighty acts in Egypt, delivering Israel from slavery and bringing judgment upon their oppressors. God’s power is displayed in His acts of justice and His ability to protect and deliver His people.
• Application: Jesus’ death and resurrection were acts of divine justice. Through His sacrifice, Jesus brings justice for humanity’s sin and delivers believers from eternal separation from God.
• Example: Use the analogy of a courtroom, where Jesus takes on the penalty of sin and declares believers not guilty before God because of His sacrifice.
• Transition: Just as God delivered Israel, Jesus delivers believers from sin and death, demonstrating the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points: God’s faithfulness to His covenant, His providential care, His power and justice demonstrated in the Old Testament, and how all these point to Christ.
• Call to action: Invite the congregation to reflect on God’s faithfulness in their own lives and encourage them to trust Him for their future. Challenge them to share the story of God’s faithfulness with others, just as the psalmist did.
• End with a prayer of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for God’s steadfast love and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.

Illustrations and Examples:

1. Personal Story of God’s Faithfulness: Share a personal testimony of a time when God’s faithfulness was particularly evident in your life. For example, recount a time of uncertainty when God provided for you in unexpected ways—financially, relationally, or emotionally. This connects with the theme of God’s steadfast faithfulness.
2. Marriage Analogy for Covenant: The covenant between God and His people is similar to the commitment in a long-term marriage. In a marriage, both spouses make promises to one another, and while one may falter, the covenant endures because of mutual commitment. This illustrates God’s covenantal faithfulness to His people, despite their failures.
3. Modern Example of Deliverance: Compare God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt to the modern-day idea of liberation from oppression. For instance, you could use the analogy of someone being freed from addiction through the intervention of a loved one or a rehabilitation program, showing the power of deliverance.

Application for Today’s Christian:

1. Discipleship: Encourage the congregation to grow in their discipleship by regularly remembering and reflecting on God’s faithfulness. Encourage them to make a habit of recounting the ways God has been faithful in their lives, both through His provision and His salvation through Jesus Christ. This strengthens faith and trust in His continued work.
2. Stewardship: God’s faithfulness is reflected in how He provides for us. As stewards of the blessings God has given, Christians are called to manage their resources wisely—time, money, and talents. In recognizing God’s care, we are compelled to give back to His kingdom and serve others generously.
3. Living Out Faith: Encourage the congregation to live out their faith boldly, trusting in God’s providence, even in times of difficulty. Just as God delivered Israel, He will continue to sustain His people. Christians can rest assured in the power and justice of God, knowing that He is with them in every circumstance. This confidence should lead to courage and hope, even in the face of challenges.

Reflection Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life. How did His faithfulness shape your understanding of His character? In what ways can you encourage others with your testimony of God’s faithfulness?
2. How does the covenant God made with His people in the Old Testament point to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ? How do you personally experience the benefits of this new covenant in your life?
3. Think about a time when God provided for you in a way that was clearly His intervention. How can you rely on God’s providence more fully, especially in times of uncertainty or need? What does it look like to trust in His deliverance in your daily life?
4. Psalm 105 recounts God’s justice in bringing deliverance to His people while judging their oppressors. How does the cross of Jesus Christ reveal both God’s justice and mercy? How can we reflect this balance of justice and mercy in our relationships with others?
5. The psalmist calls the people to give thanks and proclaim God’s works. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper attitude of gratitude for God’s faithfulness and blessings in your life? How can this gratitude lead to more active participation in His mission?
6. Psalm 105 recounts the obedience of God’s people to His leading, even when they were in the wilderness. How does obedience to God today look in your life? How can you follow God’s lead even when the path is unclear or difficult?
7. Based on what you’ve learned from Psalm 105, what is one specific area of your life where you need to trust God more deeply or where you can see His faithfulness more clearly? How can you apply this understanding to your day-to-day decisions and actions?