Psalm 105:1-45 O give thanks to the LORD; call on his name: make known his deeds among the people.… I. A BLESSED RETROSPECT. 1. He knows it is blessed, because, here the psalmist sets it down, he summons, in intensely earnest, varied, and emphatic way, all people to give thanks unto the Lord. 2. And he tells them wherefore they should hearken to his Word - because the Lord "hath remembered his covenant forever," etc. (ver. 8). 3. Then comes the covenant history. He tells what the covenant was (ver. 11), with whom it was made (ver. 9), and to whom confirmed (ver. 10). Then he tells of the apparent improbability of its fulfilment (ver. 12), yet how God guarded them (ver. 15). Then how strangely his work was carried on: sending dread famine (ver. 16), and making them exiles in Egypt; sending Joseph, whom he had wonderfully prepared to be their helper in Egypt (vers. 17-23). Then, when they were sufficiently multiplied, stirring up their nest there by means of the persecution they had to bear. Then came the mission of Moses and Aaron, and the ten plagues, so that at length Pharaoh was glad to let them go (ver. 38). Then the triumphant exodus and the perpetual help in the wilderness, ending in the promised Canaan when the people were prepared for it (vers. 44, 45). So did God lead his people by a right way, and so will he ever, though, as with Israel, the way may often seem very strange, unlikely, and the reverse of what we should have thought. II. ITS LESSONS. 1. God's covenants ever come true, however unlikely and even impossible they may at times seem to be. 2. That it is a terrible thing to stand in opposition to them (vers. 14, 27-37). Let us beware how we hinder the work of God. 3. God knows where to find and how to prepare his ministers in this work. "He sent Joseph; he sent Moses" (vers. 17, 26). They who are to be chief in service have generally first to be chief in suffering. 4. The aim of God's covenant is the creation of a holy people (ver. 45). 5. The remembrance of God's leading will ever be blessed. - S.C. Parallel Verses KJV: O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.WEB: Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples. |
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