Psalm 105

Read: Psalm 105:1 – 5; 1 Chronicles 16:7; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:15 – 17.

The first five verses of Psalm 105 contain imperatives that serve as guides to worship and daily life. The first imperative is in verse 1: Give thanks unto the Lord. The root word for “give thanks,” yadah, can mean either “to profess” or “to give thanks.” The literal meaning is to show or point out with extended hand. The addition of the concept of giving thanks is that with the gesture of the hand, acknowledgment is made of the blessing received, and thanksgiving flows naturally from this acknowledgment.

Think About It: What benefits from God can I point to in my life? Do I make thanksgiving a regular part of my prayer life? What are some practical ways that I can show my gratitude to God? To others?

Prayer: Thank God for all the blessings I can point to in my life.

 

Read: Psalm 105:1; 2 Chronicles 16:1 – 9; Psalms 50:15; 91:15; Jeremiah 29:12

The second imperative in Psalm 105 is in verse 1: Call upon His name.

God wants us to call upon Him, especially in our time of trouble.

Think About It: Read the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:1 – 9. What did he do wrong? Why should he have known better? Is God my first resort in times of trouble, or my last resort?  How do I need God’s help right now?

Prayer: Ask God for the help I need.

 

Read: Psalm 105:1, 2; Psalm 89:1; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 1:26; Acts 4:20

The third imperative of Psalm 105 is in verses 1 and 2: to make known His deeds among the people; to talk of all His wondrous works.  The Hebrew word for “make known” means to make aware, cause to see. We are to say “Look! See what the Lord has done.” What the Lord has done is “wondrous” – Hebrew pala – extraordinary, beyond our capability to do or to understand, exceptional.

Think About It: According to Ephesians 6:19 and Colossians 1:26, what did Paul feel it was his obligation to make known? What did Peter feel obligated to make known, according to Acts 4:20? What am I obligated to make known?

Prayer: For boldness in making known God’s wondrous works of salvation.

 

Read: Psalm 105:2; Psalm 147:1; Proverbs 29:6; Isaiah 12:5; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15; James 5:13.

The fourth imperative of Psalm 105 is in verse 2: to sing unto the Lord. For those who can’t carry a tune, “making melody in your heart” is an encouraging loophole. The sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1) is our example in this imperative.  

Think About It: Why is “singing” an imperative in the Christian life? What is the “music of my life” all about?  What are some ways that I could better follow this imperative, even if I have no talent at singing?

Prayer: That I might be always singing praise in my heart to God.

 

Read: Psalm 105:3; Psalm 49:6; Ephesians 2:9; Galatians 6:14; Jeremiah 9:23 – 24

The fifth imperative of Psalm 105, found in verse 3, is to glory in God’s holy name. The Hebrew for “glory” is halal, familiar to us from hallelujah, which means “Praise the Lord.”  To glory means to praise, to boast. We are to glory and boast in God’s holy name, His name which is separate, apart, high and lifted up (see Isaiah 55:8 – 9).

Think About It: What is characteristic of the boasting of the godless person? What should characterize my boasting as a Christian? What is my glory?

Prayer: For my glory to be all in the cross of Christ.

 

Read: Psalm 105:3, 4; Nehemiah 8:10; 1 John 1:1 – 3; Isaiah 55:3

The sixth imperative of Psalm 105, found in verses 3 and 4, is to seek the Lord.  Two words are used for “seek.” “Seek the Lord and His strength” is darash, to enquire, to ask for, to require.  “Seek His face forevermore” is baqash, of which Gesenius’ lexicon says, “Its primary power appears to be that of touching, feeling; search by touch.”  We need both aspects of seeking God in our lives: seeking the strength we need from the Lord, and seeking to touch the Lord, to simply enjoy His presence.

Think About It: The first question of the Westminster catechism, “What is the chief end of man?”  has this answer:  to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. What are some ways that I “seek His face” – just enjoying His presence?

Prayer: That I might find joy in the Lord.

Read: Psalm 105:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:13 – 14; Job 1:1 – 22

The seventh imperative of Psalm 105, found in verse 5, is to remember God’s marvelous works, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.  “Wonders” is in Hebrew mowpheth, referring to a sign, including portents of the future.  “Judgments” in Hebrew is mishpat, which refers to justice in general, and specifically a decision in the process of litigation.

Think About It: How does God’s justice relate to the Gospel, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Colossians 2:13 – 14?   How does Job’s response to the events that crushed his life show that he remembered the justice of God? Have I made personal God’s offer of forgiveness? Do I ever charge God with injustice?

Prayer: Praise God for His works, His wonders, and His judgments.