Psalms 105:1

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הוֹד֣וּ

H3034

O give thanks

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לַ֭יהוָה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קִרְא֣וּ

H7121

call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בִּשְׁמ֑וֹ

H8034

upon his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הוֹדִ֥יעוּ

H3045

make known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בָ֝עַמִּ֗ים

H5971

among the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עֲלִילוֹתָֽיו׃

H5949

his deeds

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?