FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Psalms 105:2
KJVSing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. These psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
- 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
- 105:2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
- 105:3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
- 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
- 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
- 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 105:1–105:45): Israel, identified through Abraham and Jacob, is summoned to remember and proclaim the LORD's covenant deeds. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Tell of His Wonders. Read Psalms 105:1 through Psalms 105:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. These psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The collection includes different periods and occasions. A specific date is not given for every psalm, and a date inferred for one poem must not be assigned to the whole collection. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The poems refer to homes, wilderness, sanctuary, Zion, exile, and the wider creation. A poetic scene is not automatically the place where the poet composed the psalm. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Tell of His Wonders (Psalms 105:1 to Psalms 105:6). Start reading at Psalms 105:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus and the apostles apply particular psalms to Christ. Those cited applications provide firm connections; they do not justify treating every first-person statement in every psalm as directly spoken by Jesus. See Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Bring lament, confession, thanksgiving, and praise honestly before God. Read petitions and descriptions in their poetic setting, and distinguish the psalm's speaker from the reader applying it. interpretation
Cited: Psalms 105:1, Psalms 105:6, Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Sing unto Ps 47:6-7 Ps 96:1-2 Ps 98:1,5 Judg 5:3 Isa 12:5-6 Isa 42:10-12 Eph 5:19 Rev 15:3-4
- talk ye Ps 77:12 Ps 78:4-6 Ps 119:27 Exod 13:8-9,14 Deut 6:6-9 Luke 24:14-53
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 105
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
“He is the LORD our God: his judgments are…”
Psalms 105:7–11FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
“When they were but a few men in number;…”
Psalms 105:12–15FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
“Moreover he called for a famine upon the land:…”
Psalms 105:16–22FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
“Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in…”
Psalms 105:23–28FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
“He turned their waters into blood, and slew their…”
Psalms 105:29–36FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
“He brought them forth also with silver and gold:…”
Psalms 105:37–45FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
Book I
Psalms 1:1–41:13FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
Book II
Psalms 42:1–72:20FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
Book III
Psalms 73:1–89:52FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Book V
Psalms 107:1–150:6FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.