Bible Commentaries
Psalms 105

Verses 1-45

This Ps. and the following one form a closely connected pair, and may be looked on as by the same author. From the closing vv. of Psalms 106 it appears that they were written after the first return from exile had taken place, but while many Israelites were still scattered among the heathen. Both Pss. are partly wrought into the composite poem in 1 Chronicles 16. Psalms 105 is a song of thanksgiving, recalling with gratitude God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Psalms 105:8-12), His guidance of Israel into Egypt, with special reference to the history of Joseph (Psalms 105:13-23), His goodness to them there in the days of oppression (Psalms 105:24-25), His deliverance wrought through Moses and Aaron by means of the plagues (Psalms 105:26-38), His mercies in the wilderness (Psalms 105:39-41), and finally His gift of Canaan to His people in fulfilment of His ancient promise (Psalms 105:42-45).

1. People] RV ’peoples.’ So in Psalms 105:20, Psalms 105:44.

14. Kings] Pharaoh (Genesis 12:17), and Abimelech (Genesis 20:17-18).

15. Anointed] a phrase not literally applicable to the patriarchs, but used by the Psalmist because they were the heads of the nation, like the kings of later times.

Prophets] Abraham is so called in Genesis 20:7.

19. His word] Joseph’s interpretation of the butler’s and baker’s dreams (Genesis 40:20-22).

28-36. The ninth plague is placed first, the third and fourth are transposed, and the fifth and sixth are omitted.

31. Divers sorts] RV ’swarms.’ Coasts] RV ’borders.’ So in Psalms 105:33.

44. Heathen] RV ’nations.’ Inherited] RV ’took in possession.’

45. Praise ye the Lord] see on Psalms 104:35. Psalms 105, like Psalms 106, probably begins and ends with ’Hallelujah.’