Bible Commentaries
Psalms 105

Verse 1

PSALM CV

An exhortation to praise God for his wondrous works, 1-5;

his goodness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 6-16;

to Joseph in Egypt, 17-22;

to Israel in Egypt, 23-25;

to Moses in the same land, 26;

the plagues sent on the Egyptians, 27-36;

the deliverance of the Israelites out of Egypt, 37, 38;

how he supported them in the wilderness, 39-43;

and brought them into Canaan, 44, 45.

NOTES ON PSALM CV

We find several verses of this Psalm in 1 Chronicles 16:7-14 c., from which it is evident that David was the author of the principal part of it: but it was probably enlarged and sung at the restoration of the people from the Babylonish captivity. The hallelujah which terminates the preceding Psalm, is made the title of this by the Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic: but it has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldee. The Syriac considers it a paraphrase on the words, "Fear not, Jacob, to go down into Egypt and teach us spiritually not to fear when we are obliged to contend with devils; for God is our shield, and will fight for us." The Psalm is a history of God's dealings with Abraham and his posterity, till their settlement in the promised land.

Verse Psalms 105:1. O give thanks — He had been meditating on God's gracious dealings with their fathers; and he calls upon himself and all others to magnify God for his mercies.

Verse 2

Verse Psalms 105:2. Talk ye of all his wondrous works. — נפלאתיו niphleothaiv, "of his miracles." Who have so many of these to boast of as Christians! Christianity is a tissue of miracles; and every part of the work of grace on the soul is a miracle. Genuine Christian converts may talk of miracles from morning to night; and they should talk of them, and recommend to others their miracle-working God and Saviour.

Verse 3

Verse Psalms 105:3. Glory ye in his holy name — Show the name Jesus: exult in it - praise it. His name was called Jesus; because he came to save his people from their sins.

Let the heart of them rejoice — That is, the heart of those shall rejoice who seek the Lord: therefore it is added, -

Verse 4

Verse Psalms 105:4. Seek the Lord — Worship the one only Supreme Being, as the only and all-sufficient good for the soul of man.

And his strength — Man is weak; and needs connexion with the strong God that he may be enabled to avoid evil and do good.

Seek his face — Reconciliation to him. Live not without a sense of his favour.

Evermore. — Let this be thy chief business. In and above all thy seeking, seek this.

Verse 5

Verse Psalms 105:5. Remember his marvellous works — Keep up communion with thy Maker, that thou mayest neither forget him nor his works.

The judgments of his mouth — Whatsoever he has spoken concerning good or evil. His commands, promises, threatenings; and particularly what he has foretold, and what he has done.

Verse 6

Verse Psalms 105:6. O ye seed of Abraham — Ye Jews especially, who have been the peculiar objects of the Divine favour.

Verse 7

Verse Psalms 105:7. He is the Lord our God — He is Jehovah, the self-existent and eternal God. He is our God, he is our portion; has taken us for his people, and makes us happy in his love.

The following abstract of the history of the Israelites presents but few difficulties. Psalms 78:1, &c.

Verse 12

Verse Psalms 105:12. But a few men — When all appearances were against them, and nothing but the arm of God could have brought them through their difficulties, and given them a settlement in the promised land.

Verse 13

Verse Psalms 105:13. When they went from one nation to another — From several circumstances in the history of the travels of the ancient Hebrews, we find that the wilderness through which they then passed was well peopled.

Verse 15

Verse Psalms 105:15. Touch not mine anointed — It is supposed that the patriarchs are here intended; but the whole people of Israel may be meant. They were a kingdom of priests and kings unto God; and prophets, priests, and kings were always anointed.

Verse 19

Verse Psalms 105:19. Until the time that his word came — This appears to refer to the completion of Joseph's interpretation of the dreams of the chief butler and baker.

The word of the Lord tried him. — This seems to refer to the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, called אמרת יהוה imrath Yehovah, "the oracle of the Lord," because sent by him to Pharaoh. See Genesis 41:26, and Kennicott in loco.

Verse 25

Verse Psalms 105:25. He turned their heart — "Their heart was turned." So the Syriac and Arabic. After befriending the Hebrews on Joseph's account, to whom they were so deeply indebted, finding them to multiply greatly in the land, and at last to become more powerful than the Egyptians themselves, they turned their attention to the adoption of measures, in order to prevent the Hebrews from possessing themselves of the government of the whole land; they curtailed them of their privileges, and endeavoured to depress them by all possible means, and by a variety of legal enactments. This appears to be the sole meaning of the phrase, "He turned their heart;" or, "their heart was turned."

Verse 27

Verse Psalms 105:27. They showed his signs — Here is a reference to the plagues with which God afflicted the Egyptians. See the places in the margin, and the notes on them.

Verse 28

Verse Psalms 105:28. They rebelled not against his word. — Instead of ולא מרו velo maru, "they rebelled," some think that a ש shin has been lost from before the word, and that it should be read ולא שמרו velo shamru, "they did not observe or keep his word." Or the words may be spoken of Moses and Aaron; they received the commandment of God, and they did not rebel against it. They believed what he had spoken, and acted according to his orders. It could not be spoken of the Egyptians; for they rebelled against his words through the whole course of the transactions.

Verse 33

Verse Psalms 105:33. He smote their vines also, and their fig trees — This is not mentioned in Exodus; but we have had it before, Psalms 78:47.

Verse 41

Verse Psalms 105:41. He opened the rock, and the waters rushed out — Exodus 17:6, to which I can now add, that a piece of this rock, broken off by the hand of my nephew, E. S. A. Clarke, in the course of the present year [1822,] now lies before me. It is fine granite; and so well distinguished as a granite, that the feldt-spar, the mica, and the quartz, of which granite is composed, appear very distinctly. It is worthy of remark, that, as granite is supposed, in the most accredited systems of geology, to be the very basis of the earth, the original rock, and all other substances to be superimpositions upon it, and as the decompositions of the feldt-spar produce pure vegetable earth, this rock should be used for this purpose, and should be an emblem of Jesus Christ, the Creator and Redeemer of the human race; and that it should signify him who is the basis of all things; who upholds all by the word of his power; without whom nothing is stable, nothing fruitful; from whom alone the water of life proceeds; and in whose name only is salvation. And that rock (in the wilderness) was Christ! and it is the only remaining emblem of him in creation.

Verse 45

Verse Psalms 105:45. That they might observe his statutes — That they might be properly instructed, and properly disciplined. This is the end proposed by Divine revelation: men are to be made wise unto salvation, and then to be brought under the yoke of obedience. He who is not conformed to God's word shall not enter into Christ's kingdom.

ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND FIFTH PSALM

The title of this Psalm is Hallelujah, as are also the two following; and the first fifteen verses of it were sung at the bringing up of the ark by David, 1 Chronicles 16:1; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.

The scope of it is the same with the two former Psalms, "that we praise God;" but yet with this difference: in the hundred and third, that he be magnified "for his benefits of redemption;" in the hundred and fourth, "for the manifestation of his power and providence in creating, governing, and sustaining the world;" but in this, "for the gracious covenant he made with Abraham, and, in him, with his whole Church."

I. An exhortation to praise God, Psalms 105:1-7.

II. An enumeration of the favours God bestowed to persuade to it, Psalms 105:7-45.

I. He that loves his prince truly desires also that others should magnify and honour him. This was David's case; he was a true lover of his God, and set a true estimate upon him. He honoured and praised God himself, and desired that others should do the same outwardly and inwards with heart and tongue: he thought all too little, and therefore, he repeats the duty often, and shows how it is to be done.

1. By giving of thanks: "O give thanks unto the Lord."

2. By invocation: "Call upon his name."

3. By communication: "Make known his deeds among the people."

4. By voices, psalms, and hymns: "Sing unto him; sing psalms unto him."

5. By frequent colloquies of his works: "Talk ye of all his wondrous works."

6. By boasting of him: "Glory ye in his holy name." Profess that you are happy men, that God's holy name was ever made known to you. "He that glories, let him glory in the Lord;" 2 Corinthians 10:17.

He invites all outwardly to exhibit praise; and now he advises that it be done inwardly also, with exultation and gladness of heart.

1. "Let the heart of them rejoice." The Holy Spirit does not sing but out of a joyous heart.

2. "Let them seek the Lord." For, indeed, they only who seek him rejoice heartily: they can acquiesce in God, in his promises of grace, pardon, and acceptance; which is so necessary to every one who will make his approaches to the throne of grace, and have his praise rendered acceptable, that the prophet seriously urges the duty: -

(1) "Seek the Lord." Cast all impiety and wickedness away: seek him.

(2) "Seek his strength." Which at that time was the ark, it being the symbol of his presence. Seek him in his Church.

(3) "Seek his face evermore." His favour, and grace, and reconciliation; seek them in his word and sacraments, c.

(4) "Evermore seek him." Now and then is too little it must be our constant work.

Having thus spoken of the heart, he comes to the memory: "Remember, forget not." And the things to be remembered are, 1. His marvellous works. 2. His wonders. 3. His judgments; which three are the substance of this whole Psalm, and are explained according to their heads. They ought to be particularly remembered by the Israelites, the posterity of Abraham, and the sons of Jacob.

"Remember his marvellous works," c. "O ye seed of Abraham, his servant ye children of Jacob, his chosen." Remember that he made Abraham and chose Jacob to be his servants, gave you laws, and showed you with what rites he would be worshipped. Forget them not.

II. But at the seventh verse the prophet begins his narration; and tells the Israelites, and in them us, what marvellous works God had done for his people, all which he presses as arguments to his people that they should praise, honour, worship, and obey him. There is much reason for it.

1. "He is the Lord our God." The same argument prefaces the commandments: "I am the Lord thy God."

2. "His judgments are in all the earth." He is a mighty Monarch, and has all nature under his empire.

And if neither of these move, yet there is another, drawn from his many and infinite favours: "On you Israelites," and all mankind as well; for on the fall of man his covenant was, That the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head; and this he forgot not: "He hath remembered his covenant," c.

1. "Which covenant he made with Abraham," and confirmed it by sacrifice, Genesis 15:13.

2. "His oath unto Isaac," Genesis 26:3-4.

3. "And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law," c. Genesis 28:13-15.

4. The form of the covenant recited: "Saying, Unto thee will I give," c. for it was divided to the tribes by lots.

Which covenant God made with their fathers and them, not out of any merit that could be in them Deuteronomy 8:4-6; Joshua 24:2.

1. "When there were but a few men," and humble; "yea, very few."

2. And they "strangers" in the land. For the patriarchs only sojourned in Canaan.

3. Yea, "when they went from one nation to another," c.

Now when they were in this condition, very few, strangers, sojourners, and pilgrims, God protected and defended them.

1. "He suffered no man to do them wrong," c. no, not the greatest, for "he reproved even kings for their sakes."

2. For he gave the command: "Touch not mine anointed," - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were anointed with the Holy Ghost, though not with material oil "and do my prophets no harm," i.e., the same men, for they were prophets. Abraham foresaw the bondage of his seed in Egypt; Isaac foretold what should befall Esau's posterity, Genesis 27:38-40; and Jacob, by a prophetical spirit, gave his blessings, Genesis 49:1-28. Of Abraham it is expressly said, "He is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee," Genesis 20:7.

Two of these mercies, the covenant and protection, are already named; and now he goes on and insists upon the third, Psalms 105:16-23, for which there was infinite matter of praise for the wonderful wisdom of God, that brought out of the greatest evils the chiefest good, by preserving their lives in Egypt in the midst of famine, Genesis 37:17-36.

1. "Moreover he called for a famine upon the land." It came not by chance.

2. "He brake the whole staff of bread," the upholder of our lives; and this he brake when he ordered that there should be no ploughing, sowing, nor harvest, Genesis 45:5-7.

3. By this famine the patriarchs were to suffer; yet God provided for their subsistence: "He sent a man, (a wise man,) before them," - Joseph.

4. This Joseph was sold by the envy and cruelty of his brethren.

And now he comes, 1. To his base usage. 2. His advancement.

1. By the false accusation of Potiphar's wife, who turned her base love into hatred: "His feet were hurt with fetters of iron."

2. "He was laid in iron;" or, as some read, "the iron entered into his soul." Grief that he should lie under foul aspersions.

There he lay: "Until the time that his word came." So long then he lay in prison, and no longer.

1. "Until the time that his word came:" his word - God's word for his deliverance. Or, as others: "Joseph's word to the butler."

2. "The word of the Lord tried him." God tried his patience: or the interpretation of the dreams proved that by the Lord he spake.

And now follows his honour and advancement: -

1. Pharaoh, by his butler, hearing of Joseph's wisdom: "He sent," c.

2. "Even the ruler of the people let him go free." A work fit for a king.

And his advancement follows: -

1. "He made him lord of his house."

2. "A ruler of all his substance." A viceroy, a grand vizier.

The king's end in it not only in the famine to provide bread for their bodies, but for the good of their souls.

1. To punish the rebellious: "To bind his princes at his pleasure."

2. To instruct his counsellors in wisdom, arts, sciences, religion. It is supposed that all the learning in which the Egyptians excelled was first taught them by Joseph.

The fourth benefit follows of God towards his people, Psalms 105:22-37, which was their nourishment, increase in Egypt, their oppression, and deliverance.

1. He begins with Jacob's descent thither: 1. "Israel also, Joseph's father, went down into Egypt," Genesis 46:2. "And Jacob with all his family," c.

2. He proceeds with their strange increase there for it is wonderful that in so short a time they should grow into such a multitude, Exodus 1:7. At their going out they were six hundred thousand, besides children, Exodus 12:37: "And he increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies," Exodus 1:9.

This was the occasion of their afflictions, bondage, and sufferings; for, -

1. "He turned the Egyptians' hearts to hate his people." He suffered them to be turned: "For there arose another king," c.

2. "And to deal subtilly with his people. Come on, say they," c.

"To set over them taskmasters," &c. Exodus 1:11. But when they saw "that the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied," Psalms 105:12, then they ordered "that all the male children should be strangled by the midwives," Psalms 105:16. And when even this would not do, then Pharaoh charged "that every son that was born," c., Psalms 105:22. Thus subtilly they dealt but it did not hinder their multiplication. There is no counsel against God.

Now God, seeing their affliction, and hearing their groans, sent them a deliverer.

1. "He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron whom he had chosen."

2. "They showed his signs among them." 1. To the Israelites 2. "And wonders in the land of Ham."

The catalogue follows: -

1. "He sent darkness," c.

2. "He turned their waters into blood," c.

3. "The land brought forth frogs," &c.

4. "He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies," &c.

5. "He gave them hail for rain," &c.

6. "He smote the vines also, and the fig-trees," &c.

7. "He spake, and the locusts came," &c.

8. "He smote also the first-born of their land," &c.

These were the wonders that God wrought in Egypt by the hand of Moses and Aaron for the deliverance of his people, which the psalmist briefly records that they might remember - be thankful, and praise him.

The fifth benefit that the psalmist records is, that God brought not out his people beggars, but enriched them with the spoils of Egypt.

1. "He brought them forth with silver and gold." For they were sent by God to ask jewels: and when the Jews pretend by their example to rob more honest men than themselves, when they can show an immediate commission from God to do it, I am content that they borrow, and never restore rob and spoil whom they please. Till this be shown, they are thieves and sacrilegious persons.

2. Farther, they left the Egyptians afflicted with some strange disease, of which their first-born had died yet they were healthy: "There was not one, no, not one feeble person, among them."

The terror of them was so great, and the fear of death so instant, that, regarding not their jewels, they urged them to be gone - they thrust them out; which the prophet expresses: "Egypt was glad when they departed."

The sixth benefit follows after their departure, which was "the pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night. He spread a cloud for a covering," c. which most interpret as if the cloud kept off the heat of the sun; and therefore the prophet says: "He spread it for a covering."

The seventh benefit was quails and manna: -

1. "The people asked, and he brought quails." Those given Exodus 16:3; Exodus 16:8; Exodus 16:12-13.

2. "And satisfied them with the bread of heaven" - manna, because it was made of the sweet dew descending from the air, and therefore called heavenly bread; the earth having nothing to do with its production.

The eighth benefit was the water out of the rock; "for they travelled through a dry wilderness."

1. "He opened the rock." He did not turn the rock into water, but opened a passage for the fountain he had made.

2. For the waters gushed out upon the passage being made for them.

3. "And they ran in dry places."

Now here he inserts the reason both of the former and latter benefits, which was his covenant and promise to Abraham: "For he remembered his holy promise," c.

The ninth benefit was, he brought them not only out of Egypt but that too in such a manner that they had reason to exult and triumph, Exodus 15:1-21: "And he brought forth his people with joy," &c.

And to make the number of his benefits complete, he adds a tenth, which was the exact fulfilling of his promise, his introduction of them into Canaan, ejection of the inhabitants, and the donation of their inheritances to his people, which they afterwards possessed.

"He gave them the lands of the heathen," &c. The houses they built not, the vines they planted not, the lands they tilled not, fell to them.

For which benefits God requires no more than their obedience: this he requires as his due and tribute. He bestowed so many benefits on them for one end only: "That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws." Hallelujah! "Let your light so shine before men, that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven."