Psalm 105 — Give Thanks to the LORD
Introduction: The first fifteen verses of this psalm are recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:8–22, and they were spoken at the celebration as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem by King David. The explanation of the disposition of the Ark of the Covenant in the years prior is summarized in the first two sections of this study. The balance of the verses in this psalm list some of the reasons Israel should remember to praise the LORD, and tell others of his marvelous works. Other verses of praise from that passage in 1 Chronicles chapter 16 can be found in Psalm 96.
NOTE: All scripture passages are taken from the World English Bible.
A — The Capture of the Ark of God and Its Return to Israel
During the closing months when Eli the priest judged Israel, the men of Israel decided to take the ark of God into battle after suffering many casualties. But the ark was captured by the Philistines, and Eli died when he heard the news. The Philistines kept the ark for seven months; there had been much mysterious death and disease in each city where it stayed. They finally sent it back to Israel on an unguided cart. It remained at Kiriath Jearim for several decades — through the time of Samuel and the reign of Saul — until David became king over all Israel at Jerusalem.
It is good to consider that the LORD God cannot be manipulated even by his own people to bring a desired result in battle by carrying the ark without his direction to do so. When desiring to worship the LORD we must remember that we are approaching a most holy God.
B — David Brought Up the Ark of God to Jerusalem
King David wanted all of Israel to take part in making the ark of God the focus of the nation again. The ark was not transported in the manner prescribed by the law on the first attempt, and Uzza died when he touched the ark. After three months at the house of Obed-Edom where the LORD blessed his household, David set a new course. 1 Chronicles 15:1–2 “David made him houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, ‘No one ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites. For Yahweh has chosen them to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.’” With great ceremony and joy, the ark was set in the tent David had prepared, and David ordained giving thanks to Yahweh by the hand of Asaph and his brothers.
C — Give Thanks to the Lord God
Psalm 105 “1 Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him! Tell of all his marvellous works. 3 Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. 4 Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more.”
Comments: Since the beginning it has been demonstrated that not all men will call upon the LORD. But in the line of Seth the pattern was established to carry on as people surrender their hearts. Genesis 4:26 “Then men began to call on Yahweh’s name.” Joel 2:32 “It will happen that whoever will call on the name of Yahweh shall be saved.” Then at Pentecost after the Lord Jesus was resurrected, Peter proclaimed this very message. Down through the ages with those who called upon the name of the LORD, there have been many marvelous works to tell to each new generation so all who acknowledge him can rejoice with praise and adoration. John 16:33 “In me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
D — The Lord Remembered His Covenant to Abraham
Psalm 105 “5 Remember his marvellous works that he has done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, 6 you seed of Abraham, his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 7 He is Yahweh, our God. His judgments are in all the earth. 8 He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, 9 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac, 10 and confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute; to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;’ 12 when they were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it… 14 He allowed no one to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes, 15 ‘Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!’”
Comments: Both Abraham and Isaac were protected by the LORD from rulers in the land of Canaan. Jacob returned to Canaan with his wives, children, and accumulated wealth after serving his uncle Laban, and the LORD protected Jacob and his family from reprisal even after Simeon and Levi killed the men of Shechem. Jacob and his family were still few in number throughout this time period while they remained in Canaan.
E — The Nation Israel Went Down into Egypt
Psalm 105 “16 He called for a famine on the land. He destroyed the food supplies. 17 He sent a man before them. Joseph was sold for a slave. 18 They bruised his feet with shackles. His neck was locked in irons, 19 until the time that his word happened, and Yahweh’s word proved him true. 20 The king sent and freed him; even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all of his possessions; 22 to discipline his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.”
Comments: Some of Jacob’s sons became so jealous of Joseph that they sold him to the Ishmaelites. After Joseph was wrongly accused and placed in prison, he had the opportunity from God to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Through this Joseph became second in Egypt only to Pharaoh. Genesis 41:39–40 “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled.’”
F — The Lord Brought Israel Out of Egypt
Psalm 105 “23 Israel also came into Egypt. Jacob lived in the land of Ham. 24 He increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their adversaries. 25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to conspire against his servants. 26 He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. 27 They performed miracles among them, and wonders in the land of Ham… 36 He struck also all the firstborn in their land, the first fruits of all their manhood. 37 He brought them forth with silver and gold. There was not one feeble person among his tribes. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen on them.”
Comments: The widespread famine caused Jacob to send his sons to Egypt for food. After Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he secured a separate place in the land for them to thrive with the blessing of Pharaoh. After Joseph died the conditions for the children of Israel changed dramatically, and a new Pharaoh knew not Joseph. At the time chosen by the LORD, he sent Moses and Aaron to bring out Israel by a series of miracles and wonders. The children of Israel had been in Egypt 430 years when they departed. Exodus 12:40–41.
G — The Lord Gave Opportunity for Israel to Serve Him
Psalm 105 “39 He spread a cloud for a covering, fire to give light in the night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of the sky. 41 He opened the rock, and waters gushed out. They ran as a river in the dry places. 42 For he remembered his holy word, and Abraham, his servant. 43 He brought forth his people with joy, his chosen with singing. 44 He gave them the lands of the nations. They took the labour of the peoples in possession, 45 that they might keep his statutes, and observe his laws. Praise Yah!”
Comments: The above scripture is a greatly condensed review of significant events until Israel entered into the Promised Land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. When the supply of quail became a response by the LORD to a rebellious spirit in the people, there were severe consequences. After the land had been subdued by the LORD while Joshua was leading Israel, he gathered all the tribes and reminded them of what the LORD had done. Joshua 24:13–14 “I gave you a land whereon you had not laboured, and cities which you didn’t build, and you live in them. Now therefore fear Yahweh, and serve him in sincerity and in truth.” Reminders of his grace and mercy prompt his true followers to adore and praise the Savior and Lord. Ephesians 5:19–20 “Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father.”
Reflections in Prayer
Any time I read through Psalm 105 Lord, may I keep in mind that you are a righteous and just God who has a reward for those who trust you, and an inescapable recompense for those who reject you as Savior and Lord. You showed yourself through mighty works before the people of Israel, but many of them were dissatisfied because they wanted fleshly comfort immediately and could not trust that you had so much more to provide for them in the developing history of those you had called out of bondage to glorify your name. May I keep their rebellion in mind as it is very evident that it is still an ever present trap for people in all ages, and I am not immune to such temptations. As one whom you have called out to eternal salvation, keep my heart set upon the things of heaven much more than on the passing pleasures of the world. You have done this for me only for your glory and purposes, and not in any way to my own credit. With all of this in mind, I can join in the joy of reviewing any portion of your mighty works with all the saints of the past and the present. Hallelujah and amen!
Published 15 January 2013