Remember the Wonders: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 105

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 105, a powerful hymn of remembrance, chronicles God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham and his descendants. This psalm isn’t just a historical recitation; it is a profound theological statement. It explores the divine promises made to the patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt with its awe-inspiring plagues and miracles, and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. The psalm underscores the importance of remembering God’s mighty acts as a means of nurturing faith, obedience, and gratitude. Through vivid imagery and historical narrative, Psalm 105 calls us to reflect upon God’s steadfast love, His judgments, and His ultimate plan of salvation. It invites us to learn from Israel’s past and to trust in God’s unfailing promises for our own lives. Ultimately, remembering the wonders He has done is a pathway to deeper communion with God and a renewed commitment to His will. Therefore, *remember the wonders* God has performed in your life and in the history of salvation.

This psalm is more than just history; it’s a call to worship and obedience. Let’s delve into the heart of Psalm 105, uncovering its rich theological depths and practical implications for our lives today.

Commentary: Verse by Verse 📖

Psalm 105:1-2 – Call to Praise

“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.” (KJV)

“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” (NKJV)

The psalm opens with an urgent call to praise and thanksgiving. “Give thanks unto the Lord” is not merely a polite request, but a passionate command. This call to action emphasizes the importance of public proclamation of God’s deeds. We are not meant to keep our faith private, but to “make known his deeds among the people.” The Coptic Church, with its rich liturgical tradition and vibrant hymns, embodies this very command. The act of singing psalms, as encouraged here, is central to our worship. It is a way to internalize scripture and express our love for God. St. Basil the Great eloquently stated, “Ψαλμὸς ἡσυχία ψυχῆς, βραβευτὴς εἰρήνης” (Psalmos hēsychia psychēs, brabeutēs eirēnēs), meaning “A psalm is the tranquility of the soul, the arbiter of peace” (St. Basil, Homilia in Psalmum 1). We must become advocates for our faith and the teachings of our church by talking to others about what we believe in, in a loving and understanding way. Why not start or improve your family’s online experience with website design from doHost, which offers the digital tools that families and individuals need to share their faith and connect with others.

Spiritual Application: Engage in daily acts of thanksgiving. Share your testimony and God’s blessings with others. Cultivate a heart of gratitude through prayer and reflection.

Psalm 105:3-6 – Remembering the Covenant

“Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.” (KJV)

“Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, O you seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!” (NKJV)

The psalmist emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in God’s holy name and seeking His strength. This “seeking” isn’t passive; it requires active pursuit and constant communion. The call to “remember his marvellous works” is central to the entire psalm. It’s a reminder that our faith is rooted in historical events, in God’s tangible interventions in the world. The phrase “seed of Abraham” connects us to the covenant God made with Abraham, a foundational element of both Jewish and Christian faith. St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Ἡ γὰρ κλῆσις τῶν ἁγίων ἐκ γένους Ἀβραάμ” (Hē gar klēsis tōn hagiōn ek genous Abraam), “For the calling of the saints is from the lineage of Abraham” (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Romans 4:16). This highlights the inclusive nature of God’s promise; all who believe are children of Abraham through faith. Remember also that Christ Himself is the ultimate “seed of Abraham”.

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort to recall God’s faithfulness in your life. Study Scripture to deepen your understanding of His covenant. Rejoice in His presence through prayer and worship.

Psalm 105:7-11 – The Everlasting Covenant

“He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; And confirmed the same unto Jacob, and made it a law unto Israel, Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance” (KJV)

“He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, to a thousand generations, The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob as a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant, Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance.”” (NKJV)

God’s covenant is not a fleeting promise; it’s “forever,” “to a thousand generations.” The land of Canaan, though geographically specific, symbolizes God’s provision and faithfulness to His promises. This section underscores the seriousness and permanence of God’s covenant. The repetition of “covenant” and the explicit mention of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob emphasize the continuity of God’s plan. The geographical context of Canaan is significant; it was a land promised despite the presence of established nations and potential conflicts. This is akin to our own struggles; God promises victory even when the odds seem insurmountable. The deuterocanonical book of Sirach (44:21) also reinforces this view of Abraham’s covenant, “Therefore, the Lord assured him with an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring, that he would make his descendants as numerous as the grains of sand, and that he would establish his descendants as kings and possessors of thrones forever.”

Spiritual Application: Meditate on the everlasting nature of God’s promises. Trust in His faithfulness even when faced with challenges. Remember that His covenant extends to you and your descendants.

Psalm 105:12-15 – God’s Protection of the Patriarchs

“When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people. He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (KJV)

“When they were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”” (NKJV)

Even when the patriarchs were few and vulnerable, God protected them. He “suffered no man to do them wrong.” This passage highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and His unwavering care for His chosen people. The phrase “Touch not mine anointed” suggests a divine protection and special status. While literally referring to the patriarchs, it also foreshadows the anointing of kings and priests in Israel, and ultimately, the anointing of Christ. The vulnerability of the patriarchs – “few in number, indeed very few, and strangers” – underscores the magnitude of God’s protection. This vulnerability resonates with the early Christians, who were also a small and persecuted group. Just as God protected the patriarchs in foreign lands, He protects us, too, even when we feel isolated or threatened.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s protection in your life, even in times of vulnerability. Trust that He will defend you against injustice. Remember that you are “anointed” in Christ and under His divine care.

Psalm 105:16-22 – Joseph’s Story

“Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.” (KJV)

“Moreover He called for a famine on the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread. He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters; He was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; The ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his possessions, To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his senators wisdom.” (NKJV)

The story of Joseph is a powerful example of God’s providential care. Even in the midst of suffering and injustice, God was working behind the scenes to fulfill His purpose. Joseph’s experience, from slavery to becoming a ruler in Egypt, demonstrates God’s ability to turn evil into good. The famine, though initially a hardship, ultimately led to the preservation of Jacob’s family. This reminds us that trials and tribulations can often be instruments in God’s hand, leading us to a greater good. The phrase “the word of the Lord tested him” suggests that Joseph’s character was refined through suffering and obedience. Tertullian wrote, “Patientia enim probatione operatur spem”, which means “Patience works out hope through testing”. Just as Joseph was tested and ultimately exalted, we too are tested in our faith.

Spiritual Application: View your trials as opportunities for growth and refinement. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you cannot see His hand. Emulate Joseph’s faithfulness and forgiveness.

Psalm 105:23-36 – The Exodus

“Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants. He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen. They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word. He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fishes. Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings. He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts. He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts. He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number, And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.” (KJV)

“Israel also came into Egypt, And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies. He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants. He sent Moses His servant, And Aaron whom He had chosen. They performed His signs among them, And wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and made it dark; And they did not rebel against His word. He turned their waters into blood, And killed their fish. Their land abounded with frogs, Even in the chambers of their kings. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, And lice in all their territory. He gave them hail for rain, And flaming fire in their land. He struck their vines also and their fig trees, And splintered the trees of their territory. He spoke, and locusts came, Innumerable grasshoppers; And they ate up all the vegetation in their land, And devoured the fruit of their ground. He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land, The first of all their strength.” (NKJV)

This section narrates the Exodus, a pivotal event in Israel’s history. God’s power is displayed through the plagues inflicted upon Egypt. These plagues were not merely acts of destruction; they were a demonstration of God’s sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and a judgment on their idolatry. The turning of water into blood, the infestation of frogs, flies, and lice, the hail and fire, the locusts – all showcase God’s absolute control over creation. The death of the firstborn was the final, devastating blow that compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The phrase “land of Ham” is a poetic reference to Egypt, recalling the lineage of Ham, one of Noah’s sons. This is a reminder that God’s judgment extends to all nations that oppose His will. The plagues can also be seen as a symbolic foreshadowing of the spiritual plagues that afflict those who reject God’s grace. For example, spiritual darkness, spiritual pollution, and spiritual destruction.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s power over all creation. Trust that He will deliver you from oppression. Repent of any idolatry in your life and turn to Him alone.

Psalm 105:37-45 – The Wilderness Journey and the Promised Land

“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise made to Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.” (KJV)

“He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was not one feeble person among His tribes. Egypt was glad when they departed, For the fear of them had fallen upon them. He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night. The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river. For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham His servant. He brought forth His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness. He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, And they inherited the labor of the nations, That they might observe His statutes And keep His laws. Praise the Lord!” (NKJV)

The psalm concludes by highlighting God’s provision and guidance during the wilderness journey and the eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. The Israelites were not only freed from slavery, but also enriched with “silver and gold.” The absence of “one feeble person” speaks to God’s healing power and protection. The cloud and fire provided constant guidance and protection in the harsh wilderness. The manna and water from the rock miraculously sustained them. All of this was a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. The inheritance of the “lands of the Gentiles” was not simply a conquest; it was a fulfillment of God’s plan to establish His people in the land He had promised them. This inheritance came with the responsibility to “observe His statutes and keep His laws,” emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness. This echoes the words of Deuteronomy 7:6, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s provision for your needs. Seek His guidance through prayer and Scripture. Obey His commandments and live a life of gratitude.

Subtopic: God’s Faithfulness in the Face of Human Weakness ✨

Psalm 105 showcases not only God’s power but also His unwavering faithfulness despite human fallibility. Israel’s history is replete with instances of rebellion and disobedience. Yet, God remained true to His covenant.

• God’s unwavering love: Even when Israel strayed, God’s love did not falter.
• Divine patience: God demonstrated immense patience with His people, repeatedly forgiving their sins.
• Redemptive purpose: God used Israel’s story to point to a greater redemption in Christ.
• Hope for the future: The psalm offers hope for all believers, assuring us of God’s continued faithfulness.
• Obedience: Even though God has provided abundantly, he requires us to be obedient to His word and seek His guidance.
• Grace: We are offered boundless grace for our shortcomings.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is it important to remember God’s deeds, as emphasized in Psalm 105?

A: Remembering God’s deeds cultivates faith, gratitude, and obedience. It reminds us of His power and faithfulness, inspiring us to trust Him in all circumstances. This remembrance is a form of spiritual nourishment that strengthens our relationship with God.

Q: How can I apply the lessons of Psalm 105 to my daily life?

A: Make a habit of reflecting on God’s blessings and interventions in your life. Share your testimonies with others, study Scripture to deepen your understanding of His character, and seek to obey His commandments. Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness will transform your perspective and deepen your faith.

Q: What does Psalm 105 teach us about God’s character?

A: Psalm 105 reveals God as faithful, powerful, merciful, and sovereign. He is a covenant-keeping God who protects His people, provides for their needs, and fulfills His promises. He is also a God of justice who judges those who oppress His people.

Q: How does this Psalm relate to Coptic Orthodox Tradition?

A: The Coptic Orthodox tradition deeply emphasizes remembering God’s deeds through liturgical worship, hymnology, and the lives of the saints. The continuous recitation of psalms, the veneration of holy figures, and the celebration of feasts all serve as reminders of God’s intervention in history and His ongoing presence in our lives. Psalm 105 reflects our tradition’s emphasis on living a life marked by remembrance, gratitude, and obedience.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 105 serves as a timeless reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness, His mighty power, and His steadfast love. It invites us to reflect on the historical events of the Old Testament, recognizing God’s hand at work in the lives of His people. By remembering God’s deeds, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for His character and a stronger commitment to His will. This psalm calls us to live lives of gratitude, obedience, and faith, trusting in His promises and proclaiming His wonders to the world. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are heirs to this rich tradition of remembrance, and we are called to embody its spirit in our daily lives. Therefore, let us *remember the wonders* God has shown us, and let that remembrance fuel our love, our worship, and our service to Him. Remember his love, mercy and grace are boundless, reach out to dohost for your spiritual needs.

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Psalm 105, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Biblical Commentary, Exodus, Covenant, Abraham, Moses, Thanksgiving, Faithfulness

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Dive into a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 105, exploring God’s faithfulness, the Exodus, and the importance of remembering His wonders. Deepen your faith today!